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 hint of a wisdom beyond his years.
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 got up 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 the need presented
itself, he responded spontaneously. 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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