[Faith-talk] Pray without ceasing.

[Ericka]

Peace be with you John and thank you for sharing.

Ericka Short
 from my iPhone 6+

> On Sep 8, 2017, at 2:27 AM, John J. Boyer via Faith-Talk <faith-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 1 Thes 5:17. The question naturally arises as to what Paul meant by praying without ceasing. He might have meant it  
> for the community, but I think he also meant it for individuals. In this interpretation it means keeping a prayerful 
> attitude at all times. Repeating simple prayers can help us i this. In Matthew 6:7 Jesus says "Do not babble like the 
> pagans, who think that because of their many words they will be heard." What did He mean by this? Probably that they 
> recited a long list of divine names, hoping that one will force a response from the deity.
> 
> This is a type of magic. Trying to force a response from God  is futile and non-christian. He is pleased, however, 
> if we keep him in mind at 
> all times. Some people try to do this by repeating the "Jesus Prayer." 
> 
> Luke gives the parables of the unjust judge and the man who goes to a friend at night for a loaf of bread to illustrate 
> the value of persistence in prayer.
> 
> I find it helpful to repeat a number of bits of spiritual poetry, probably because it helps me express my love for God. 
> Most of these are on www.godtouches.org on the poems and prayers pages. An example is
> 
> Help me Lord to pray and act
> Despite discomfort, pain and age,
> To make Your kingdom more a fact,
> Although the world deride and rage.
> 
> Repeating this prayer helps me to have courage to go on spreading the Gospel. 
> 
> Many Catholics find it helpful to say the Rosary. The Hail Mary is derived from the angel's announcement of the 
> incartnation of Jesus to Mary and from elizabeth's exclamation when Mary visited her. We do well to think on the meaning 
> of these scripture references. Moreover, the rosary is divided into a number of "mysteries," in which we are urged to 
> reflect (meditate) on the events in the lives of Jesus and Mary. For exaample, the Joyful mysteries consist of the 
> announcement of the incarnation, the visit to Elizabeth, the birth of Jesus, the presentation in the temple and the 
> finding in the temple.
> 
> At the last supper in the Gospel of John Jesus tells us to love one another as he has loved us. He
> also prays "that they 
> may be one." I believe that dialogue between different faiths is the best way for religious people to seek peace. This 
> is particularly important for groups that call themselves Christian. Let us follow Jesus' command to love one another. 
> 
> In the love of Christ,
> John
> -- 
> John J. Boyer, Executive Director
> GodTouches Digital Ministry, Inc.
> Email: john at godtouches.org
> Website htp://www.godtouches.org
> Twitter: @godtouches
> Location: Madison, Wisconsin, USA
> Mission: promoting peace, love and service
> 
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