A Deeper Truth
Pray without ceasing…
I Thessalonians 5:17 KJV
Austin Miller is an exceptional young man. Always polite, he
conducts himself with quiet confidence. His quick smile is disarming, his clever
wit remarkable. Of average height, his straight back and lean muscular physique
convey an impression of competence. He is handsome, yet would be embarrassed at
the compliment. His deep blue eyes convey a premature wisdom.
If you spent any time around Austin you would discover a
spiritual boldness, notably in the marketplace. His younger brother, Lee, never
passes on an opportunity to tease his ‘super spiritual’ big brother. One recent
event bears witness...
After having his braces tightened that day, Austin arose in
the middle of the night to take some pain medication. On his way back to bed,
he overheard his parents coughing from colds they’d passed back and forth. Going
to their bedroom he asked if he could pray for them. After praying he returned
to his room.
At breakfast the next morning Austin looked confused when
his parents thanked him for his nighttime prayer. He didn’t remember any of it!
Lee looked at Austin and exclaimed, “No way! Now he’s sleep-praying?!”
†
Most of us have experienced or heard of sleep-walking. But
prior to reading this devotion I doubt if many of us had ever heard of
sleep-praying. I know I never had.
I’m not sure this is what Paul meant when he urged the
Church at Thessalonica to pray without ceasing. However, Austin’s experience
reveals a deep truth; that what is in our hearts comes so natural that it can occur
in our sleep. Prayer is so much a part of Austin’s life that when a need arose
he responded spontaneously. And according to his parents the prayer was animated
and on point.
I believe this exemplifies Paul’s exhortation.
Prayer
“Lord, I want my
prayer life to be so natural that I would even bring You praise in my sleep. In
Jesus’ Name, amen.”
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