Unceasing Prayer: A Beginner's Guide

"To pray unceasingly" is a command given to Christians by Paul in Thessalonians. What does it mean to pray without ceasing, especially in today's busy world of rapid change and the stress that accompanies it? Debra Farrington explains that praying constantly "is as simple, and as difficult, as recalling God's presence often throughout the day, by connecting Scripture and daily activities." Her new book, Unceasing Prayer: A Beginner's Guide,, provides concrete ways that readers can begin to practice unceasing prayer.

The book is broken down into two parts: the first suggests prayers for specific times and activities of the day, and the second provides prayers for times of need and times of celebration. Through practical, realistic examples, Farrington demonstrates how to make all action, or inaction, a time of prayer. The simple act of dressing can allow us to ask the Lord to be clothed "with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience" (Colossians 3:12). A commute to work can offer an opportunity to ask God's guidance and direction.

Unceasing Prayer is ideal for all those whose schedules are not conducive to formal prayer. College students, parents of young children, caregivers, and those who are ill, will benefit from this new approach to daily prayer. All individuals engaged in a prayer life, both beginners and those who are more experienced, will find new meaning and renewed vision in this little guide.

What does it mean to "pray unceasingly," as Paul encourages Christians to do in the New Testament Book of 1 Thessalonians? In Unceasing Prayer: A Beginner's Guide, Debra Farrington urges readers to imagine that "unceasing prayer" is more accessible than they might think - that it can, in fact, be accomplished while "doing the dishes, feeding the cat, working at your desk, making love, or helping the kids with their homework." Farrington offers a book of "short Scripture-prayers" to invite readers to pray and acknowledge God's presence throughout the day. There are Bible verses for jogging, for taking a shower, for moments of anger, for expressing thankfulness at a happy family gathering. This is, quite simply, a beautiful and elegant book.
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