1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Exposition

Pray without ceasing. The means of promoting religious joy is prayer. This prayer is to be "without ceasing," implying constancy ( Colossians 4:2 ) and perseverance ( Romans 12:12 ; Ephesians 6:18 ; Luke 18:1 ). This is not a mere precept "capable of fulfillment in idea, rather than in fact" (Jowett); but it is an exhortation to live in a devotional frame of mind. It is impos sible to be always on our bended knees, but we may be in the spirit of prayer when engaged in the duties of our earthly calling. Prayer may be without ceasing in the heart which is full of the presence of God, and evermore communing with him.