About Nate Preisinger

Rev. Nathaniel Preisinger (he/him/his) earned his Bachelor’s Degree at St. Olaf College and received his Master of Divinity and a Certificate in Theological Education for Emerging Ministries at Wartburg Seminary. Pastor Nate previously served as a Mission Developer for Organic Faith, worked at United Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia as Director of Admissions, and as the pastor at Parkside Lutheran Church in Buffalo, NY and Reformation Lutheran Church in Philadelphia, PA. Nate is married to Amanda and they have three children, Evelyn (12), Solomon (10), and Miriam (6). Together they have fun creating and playing board games, watching movies, hiking around Colorado and doing science experiments. Additionally, Nate enjoys listening to music, running on the High Line Canal, going to the library, reading multiple books at the same time, yoga, and basketball.

Does Your Filter Need Cleaning?

Does Your Filter Need Cleaning?
By Justin March

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Do not cast me from
your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of
your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.  Then I will
teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.
Psalm 51:10-13

The display read, “clean filter.”  As my wife and I went out to
relax in the hot tub, we noticed the water was cold and the jets were not
running.  My normal routine of lifting the cover and checking the temperature
a few times a week, had been interrupted by the accumulation of snow and a busy
schedule.  And because of this ignorance and lack of maintenance, the spa
shut down until we decided to show it some love and clean its’ hard working
filter.

Does your filter need a little cleaning?  Have you allowed the pollutants
of this world to infiltrate your life and muddy up your jets?  Are you
following the routines and keeping up with the maintenance needed to stay clean
and ensure your system is running properly?

If I am cognizant, follow the manual, and make sure to keep the filter clean,
the hot tub runs smoothly.  The water stays warm, and the jets pump out
that stress-relieving pressure that brings the day to a perfect close.
But if I ignore the messages that are sent my way and allow the filter to get
too dirty, the system shuts down until I make the effort to scrub it clean.

When we keep our eyes open to what God is trying to show us, we too keep our
filters maintained and running well.  The cleanliness allows us to go out
in the world and shine light into the darkness.  The purification gives us
the strength to face opposing forces and handle adversity with grace.  And
our jets have the freedom to massage others with love, forgiveness, and acceptance.
But if we do not properly maintain our relationship with God, our filters get
clogged with all the dirt this world will happily provide.

As you begin a new week, remember this.  It only takes a little
maintenance to keep your motor running.  The manual has been provided, and
God’s instructions are clear.  Be good to one another, build community,
and extend grace.  Love like this is your last day and spread God’s
messages so others may draw closer to Him.  And when you have let a few
days go by and forgotten to check your temperature, ask Him to scrub you clean.

The world needs your filter.  There are people who have allowed the dirt
to muddy up their journeys and are struggling to get back on track.  There
are people who have lost hope.  And there are people who are searching for
a way to get clean so they may venture forward.  We are called to open our
filters and allow the lost a place to rid themselves of the pollutants.
We are called to keep our filters maintained so they can keep running.  And
we are called to allow the jets of our baptismal promises to wash away the sin
of this world so God’s face may shine bright through the purity of His clean
waters.

It only takes a few moments each day to keep your filter clean.  Prayer,
love, forgiveness, and grace will keep the motor running.  And when the
time comes when another needs your filter to wash away their soils, it will be
ready to work hard, rid them of the muck that drags them down, and send them on
their way with the promises of God’s refreshing messages for their lives!

Does Your Filter Need Cleaning?2022-02-28T11:14:17-07:00

Aha Sermon Series Part 3

Aha Sermon Series Part 3
Pastor Gary Sandberg

Pastor Gary’s full sermon from 2/6/22 at the 10am service is based on readings from Nehemiah 12:43-47, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, and Luke 19:45-46.
This sermon was part 3 of our “Aha!” Epiphany Sermon Series.

Aha Sermon Series Part 32022-03-01T16:48:35-07:00

Oh My God, I Lift Up My Soul

Pastoral Inter Rita’s Sermon
January 30, 2022

 

Pastor Rita’s sermon from 1/30/22 at the 10am service is based on Psalm 25.

Oh My God, I Lift Up My Soul2022-03-01T16:49:48-07:00

Thorn Removal

Thorn Removal
By Justin March

As many of you know, walking the dogs is one of my favorite times of the
day.  It gives my wife and I a break from our hectic work schedules, and
it allows us to leave the house to breathe in that refreshing mountain air.
We are rewarded with a little exercise, we are given a chance to catch up with
each other, and we feel our moods brighten as the beauty around us encapsulates
our senses.  It may seem like a simple act to most people, but for us, it
is a time to take care of one another and relish in the joy of our canine
companions.

One thing I love about living in Colorado is the beauty of the differing
landscapes.  In one thirty minute walk, I can witness colorful flowers,
enormous trees, majestic mountains, and plush grass.  I can pass by
neighbors that send a friendly hello, and the dogs can greet those other
four-legged creatures enjoying their laps around the trails.  It is a
perfect part of our day, and as we bask in the amazing creation God surrounds
us with, we feel blessed to have these moments.

Like most things in life, though, there are a few areas we need to try to avoid
while taking our walks.  Amongst all the beauty that lines the sidewalks
and trails of our well, laid out paths, there are thorn patches that lurk just
outside the boundaries.  They are not easy to see, yet they are avoidable
if you just stay the pre-determined course.  But for the dogs, they are
not quite as keen as we are in avoiding the thorns, and every so often, they
make the mistake of venturing too far and stepping on one of these painful
surprises.

The first time it happened, I remember their first reaction.  They pulled
back quickly, not sure of what they had actually encountered.  They tried
to take another step and instantly understood that the thorn dug deeper with
every movement.  They tried to remove it with their teeth, but the shape
of their snout and the distance to their paw made it almost impossible.
They tried to scrape their pad across the sidewalk, but that stubborn thorn was
not going to release its’ grip.  No matter what those canines tried to do,
removing this nuisance was not something they could accomplish by themselves.

So, they needed help.  They knew the thorn was painful, but this was a new
experience.  And as I knelt down, grabbed their leg, and tried to bring it
closer to me, the initial reaction was to pull away.  They were leery of
what I may do to that painful infliction, and I had to move slowly, build
trust, and show them that I was there to help them remove the cause of that
festering wound.  It took a few tries as the dogs were unsettled and
hurting, but once I had their paw firmly in my hand, I was able to remove that
stubborn thorn.

God is calling us to remove the thorns.  He is asking us to build a
community where love, forgiveness, and grace dominate the paths we walk
along.  He wants us to be patient with one another, he wants us to care
for one another, and he wants us to be willing to step in when that thorn needs
to be removed.  At first, we may be met with resistance, but if we take a
slow, humble, and understanding approach, trust begins to build.  And
before you know it, you become that person another seeks out when they need a
little help removing that thorn.

Now, when one of the dogs step on those pesky thorns, they immediately stop and
look for us.  They do not allow the thorn to penetrate further, deepen the
wound, or fester within their vulnerable paw.  They simply raise their
leg, and let us know they ventured too far and found that thorn patch
again.  They trust we will remove the hurt, and in just a matter of
seconds, we are back on track and traveling the path that has been laid down
before us.

Stay the course and do your best to travel the path God has given.  Show
each other the grace we need, love each other as Jesus loves us, and build
trust in each other so we can continue to see the beauty.  And when
temptation gets the best of us, causes us to venture too far off course, and we
get stung by one of those painful thorns, remember that your brothers and
sisters in Christ are there to help you remove it.  It may be painful at
first, but once it is gone, you will be free to continue your journey!

Thorn Removal2022-02-28T11:15:08-07:00

Cracked Not Shattered

Cracked Not Shattered
By Justin March

There it was.  The sound that made my skin crawl.  As I exited
my car to head into the restaurant, my cell phone landed face first on the
parking lot asphalt.  The crack was loud, and even though it was dark, I
knew the damage was going to be extensive once I was able to see it.  So, I
picked up that phone, said a few choice words, and headed into the restaurant
fearing the worst.  And wouldn’t you know it, that screen looked like a
tarantula had sunk its’ fangs into it, been stepped on, and was left to have
his legs spread across its’ surface.  It was an ugly sight, and I must
admit I was pretty upset with what had just happened.

I worried about that phone during dinner, but there was nothing I could do
about it.  Once I got home, I took some time to really look at it and see how
extensive the damage truly was.  It did seem bad, but after further
investigation, I realized I had been lucky and it was just the screen protector
that cracked.  The phone was unharmed, underneath that shield, and I began
to realize that the surface damage was only going to be temporary and could be
fixed.  The phone was cracked, not shattered, and I began to feel much
better about the situation.

Cracked, not shattered.  As I looked again at this now imperfect phone, it
hit me that our lives can be a lot like this.  There are many things this
world will throw at us to crack our outer shells, but when we are protected
with God’s love and grace, it keeps us from being shattered.  We may be
left with scars, and we may not physically look the same after tragedy, but
when we have suited up with God’s armor, those flaming arrows find it
impossible to penetrate through.  We take a hit, yet we stand
strong.  We crack, but we do not shatter.  And when the tragedy
passes, we find ourselves walking with God and heading into greener pastures.

We cannot stop bad things from happening in life.  There will be
heartache, there will be sadness, and there will be loss.  But when we
take God’s hand, allow Him to guide us, and trust Him with everything, He always
lifts us back up and moves us forward on our journey.  The cracks can be
real, and the hits can truly hurt, but when we are equipped with God’s messages
and have that undying faith, it keeps our lives from being shattered.  And
before you know it, the storm has passed and the ugly surface has faded,
leaving only a bright, shiny new light that nothing in this world can ever
extinguish!

Cracked Not Shattered2022-02-28T11:16:30-07:00

A Stone of Hope

A Stone of Hope
By Justin March

“Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Does it feel like the world is throwing everything at us at once?  Rising
COVID infections, underwater volcanoes, wintry weather, strained relationships,
labor shortages, inflation, and political strife continue to infiltrate every
news outlet.  The negativity demands our attention, and the darkness seems
to engulf our lives.  And as tensions become high, anger escalates, and
people divide themselves because of their differences, this “mountain of
despair” becomes difficult to overcome.

I was struggling to find a positive message to send out this week until I ran
across this quote.  I was reminded that my perspective was out of whack,
and I had allowed the world’s messages to overshadow the messages that God was
trying to send me.  You see, the world is pleased when the despair it
preaches causes us to feel drained and weary.  It is happy when we live in
confusion, blindness, and fear.  And it feeds off our losses and revels in
our pain.  If we allow it, the negative news will take hold of everything
we are, and before we know it, we are at the bottom of a dark pit wondering how
we will ever get to the top of this “mountain of despair.”

It is in these times that we need to pick up those “stones of
hope.”  They are not always easy to see amongst the hype and
distractions the world throws our way, but they are there.  They can be
found in the messages of your Bible.  They can be found when you have a
loving conversation with your family and friends.  They can be found when
you help someone in need or donate your time and money to organizations that
benefit the less fortunate.  They can be found in the pews of your church,
the words of the hymns, and the sermons you hear.  And they can be found
in the whispers of the wind, the spirits of the air, and the nature God has
created for you.  The world will do it’s best to keep you blind, but if
you open your eyes and soften your heart, these “stones of hope” will
be there for the taking.

I pray you find some “stones of hope” this week.  I pray that
you are open to what God is trying to show you, and that He brings you comfort
and peace.  I pray that no matter the obstacle, failure, or defeat you
face, you remember that you are loved and forgiven.  And when that
“mountain of despair” casts a shadow over your path this week, I pray
that you pick up one of those “stones of hope” and allow the light of
Christ to guide you to better days.  Stay positive, stand strong, extend
grace, and love one another.  You never know, you may be that “stone
of hope” that another needs to lead them into His loving arms!

A Stone of Hope2022-02-28T11:18:30-07:00

More Love, More Power

More Love, More Power
By Justin March

“Keu Mau, Mana Nui”
Hawaiian Blessing meaning More Love, More Power

As the family and I strolled the beaches and streets in Kona last week, we
experienced many amazing things.  We saw incredible sea life and beautiful
landscapes.  We dined on local flavors and pushed our taste buds to new
limits.  We even overcame some childhood fears as to what may or may not
be in the waters surrounding us.  Hawaii was definitely an amazing place,
and I feel blessed that we were able to take the time off to relax, unwind, and
take in all the island had to offer.

Almost immediately though, I knew something was different.  Yes, we were
still in the United States, but on this island, the pace seemed to slow down
and remain calm.  The busyness and stress of the mainland seemed to
disappear as we crossed the waters.  The people seemed genuine, down to
earth, and humble.  And there was a real sense of community, togetherness,
and a bond I don’t normally feel.  I could not quite grasp where the
hospitality, acceptance, and love was coming from, but there was definitely a
different vibe in Hawaii.

“Keu Mau, Mana Nui.”  After hearing this phrase a couple times,
it was becoming clear why I felt different in this space.  It is a
Hawaiian blessing that means “More Love, More Power.”  You see,
when the islanders talk about power, it does not come from riches, possessions,
royalty, or government.  It comes from a love for one another, a love for
every creature, and a love for the beautiful surroundings they are enveloped
in.  More love brings more power.  And the more I felt the love of
the people of Hawaii, the more empowered I was to share this love with my
family, my neighbors, and all the creation God has entrusted to me.

What if we lived our life with this motto in mind?  What if we erased the
thoughts of more possessions, more money, and more status equaling more
power?  What if instead, we equated more love, more compassion, and more
acceptance as more power?  I believe God is calling us to do just
that.  I believe God is asking us to strengthen our families, our
friendships, and our communities with more love.  And I believe God is
pleased when we lend a helping hand, appreciate the gifts he has bestowed upon
us, and accept each other as His children.

There is no power when we divide ourselves from others.  There is no power
when we see each other as a different color, race, creed, political
affiliation, sexual identity, or class status.  And there is definitely no
power when we push others aside so we can grasp for the things that never
really mattered in this life.  Power comes from love, and love creates
power.  It is a power the media and this world do not want us to see.
For this is a power that unifies, breeds respect, and closes the gaps that keep
us apart.

“Keu Mau, Mana Nui.”  The islanders understand where their power
comes from.  The islanders love one another passionately and will do
anything to help each other.  And the islanders understand that God is the
source of love so they honor Him in every endeavor.  I pray that you find
some time this week to dwell on this incredible phrase from our friends in
Hawaii.  And whenever you feel alone, desperate, lost, or disconnected,
remember this, “Keu Mau, Mana Nui!”

More Love, More Power2022-02-28T11:19:51-07:00

“The Greatest Promise” by Justin March

The Greatest Promise
By Justin March

 

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

 

Another Advent season is coming to an end, and the wait is over. We have been patient, we have waited for the Lord, and we have listened to the promises God has made for our lives. We have prayed, we have learned to be still, and we have read the Gospels about the miraculous Christmas story. It is a Holy time of year, and I hope that you find faith and reassurance as we get closer to 2022.

 

For me, the Christmas season is both humbling and gracious. It is a good reminder to slow down, take in some deep breaths, and wait for the Lord. It is a time for reconnection with my loved ones. It is a time to spread joy and well wishes. And it is a reassurance that God has made a promise to send us His only Son so that all humanity can be saved from the sins of this world.

 

We hear many words during the Advent season, and they can be both confusing and refreshing. But when I hear John speak about the Word becoming Flesh, it all comes together for me. God has now become human through Jesus. His love for us is so strong that He has brought His Son to us so we can get a glimpse of how precious His promises truly are. And although Jesus may still seem hard to see at times, it is through Him that we find friendship, forgiveness, grace, and love. He brings divinity to a level that we can begin to understand, and it is this promise that becomes the greatest gift we could ever receive.

 

It is a good time of year, and I feel blessed to have a Savior that guides me and makes sure I stay on track. This journey is both amazing and troubling, but Jesus always takes my hand and steers me in the right direction. And the promise of His love, forgiveness, and grace is the only gift I need this Christmas season. You see, this promise is not just good news for Christmas. It is a promise for all people, at all times, everywhere!

“The Greatest Promise” by Justin March2022-03-02T11:04:12-07:00

Who’s That on the Wrong Side of My Bed?

Who’s That on the Wrong Side of My Bed?
By Justin March

“Come to me with your gaping emptiness, knowing that in me you are complete.  As you rest
quietly in My Presence, My Light within you grows brighter and brighter.
Facing the emptiness inside you is simply the prelude to being filled with My
fullness.  Therefore, rejoice on those days when you drag yourself out of
bed, feeling sluggish and inadequate.  Tell yourself that this is the
perfect day to depend on Me in childlike trust.  If you persevere in this
dependence as you go through the day, you will discover at bedtime that Joy and
Peace have become your companions.  You may not realize at what point they
joined you on your journey, but you will feel the beneficial effects of their
presence.  The perfect end to such a day is a doxology of gratitude.
I am He from who all blessings flow!”

An excerpt from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

 

Friends, it has been a struggle to get out of bed the last couple of
weeks.  Work, holiday planning, and year-end demands have caused extra
stress and loss of sleep.  There just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in
the days, and instead of hitting the bed with a deep slumber that comes from
hard work and satisfaction, I seem to lie awake with a racing mind and
unforgiving schedule.  Exhaustion sets in, frustration levels rise, and
the light at the end of the tunnel seems out of reach.

Yet, it is in these times that God seems to find a way to bring me back to
Him.  It is hardly ever mind blowing or miraculous to the naked eye, but
the power in the ways He reaches me can only be seen when I take the time to
relax, breathe, and open myself up to what He wants to show me.  He
usually arrives through the family and friends who love and support me, or He
sends a simple message like the one I received above.  And when I come to
Him with my gaping emptiness, I am always astonished at how easily He seems to
fill me back up.

There have been plenty of mornings lately where I feel like I am getting up on
the wrong side of the bed.  It is all I can do to allow my feet to hit the
floor, and the tension starts to mount with each and every step.  But as I
pick up my devotional and read an excerpt like the one above, I quickly realize
that Joy and Peace have indeed become my companions.  I may not realize at
what point they joined me along my journey, but I am grateful for their
presence and how they seem to carry me through this demanding life.  And
when I take the time to sit back, take in some deep breaths, and ponder the
struggles of the day, it becomes apparent that Jesus was always there.  It
is in His presence where I find the time to be grateful, gracious, and
forgiving so I can continue on His wondrous journey.

As we enter the Christmas holiday, I pray that you find some time to relax and
unwind.  I pray that you find hope in this incredible holiday, and
remember to celebrate the true meaning of our Savior’s birth.  And I pray
that your faith strengthens as you read excerpts, like the one above, that are
full of promises and good news that will help you along the way.  The
distractions will fight for your attention, and the hustle and bustle of the
holiday will try to wear you down, but with Jesus at your side, you will find
that Joy and Peace become those companions you need that allow all of His
blessings to flow!

Who’s That on the Wrong Side of My Bed?2022-02-28T11:20:50-07:00

Pastor Nate’s Sermon on Luke 1:39-55

Pastor Nate’s Sermon on Luke 1:39-55

 

Pastor Nate’s full sermon from 12/19/21 is based on Luke 1:39-55.

This sermon was for the fourth Sunday of Advent and is based on the theme “Open Your Heart”

Pastor Nate’s Sermon on Luke 1:39-552022-03-03T09:43:41-07:00

Pastor Rita’s Sermon based on Luke 3:7-18 12/12/21

Pastor Rita’s Sermon based on Luke 3:7-18 12/12/21

 

 

Pastor Rita’s full sermon from the 8:30 service on 12/12/21 is based on readings from Luke 3:7-18.

This sermon was for the third Sunday of Advent and is based on the theme “Share Your Heart”

Pastor Rita’s Sermon based on Luke 3:7-18 12/12/212022-03-03T09:46:28-07:00

There is Hope in the Flame

There is Hope in the Flame
By Justin March

“This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.  Let it shine, all the time, let it shine.”

When I was a young boy, growing up in Norfolk, Nebraska, we would experience
some wicked storms.  Lightning that danced in the sky, thunder that shook
the foundations, rains that flooded the streets, blizzards that dumped feet of
snow, and tornadoes that threatened to wreak havoc were commonplace.
There were many times we hunkered down in the basement as the sirens screamed
for everyone to take shelter.  Yet, through the warnings of the deafening
alarms and the fearful voices coming through our televisions and radios, I
never felt afraid until the power went out.

You see, there is no darkness like a house without power in the middle of the
night.  The familiar surroundings become alien as you stumble around
furniture, grope for one another’s hand, and try to find refuge in a safe
space.  Without the guidance of light, the darkness seems to engulf you,
swallow up what you swore was once there, and invoke your wildest fears.
Yet, as the moment approached when I became so scared of what lurked in the
dark, one of my parents would light a candle that would bring just enough light
to settle my emotions.

It was this little flame that would keep the monsters at bay.  It was this
little flame that would allow me to see my family and know everything was
safe.  It was this little flame that would bring us close to enjoy the
warmth as it danced from one side of the wick to the next.  And it was
this little flame that brought hope that the storm would pass, the havoc would
not last forever, and the light would be restored.

In a world that often feels cold and dark, it is this flame I am searching
for.  It has taken many years, but I now understand that I do not have to
cower in the shadows and hide from the monsters.  I do not have to shiver
when the warmth leaves my body or run when I am afraid in the night.  No,
I just need to pick up my Bible, bow my head in prayer, and spend time with the
loving people God has surrounded me with.  And when I take the time to
allow Him to guide me with His everlasting flame, my life brightens up with a
light full of hope, forgiveness, and grace that this world does it best to try
to hide from me.

We are in the season of Advent and it feels like a good time to make sure your
flame is ignited.  For those without guidance from our Savior above, this
time of year can become stressful, lonely, and dark.  So, it is up to us
to make sure our lights shine bright.  It is up to us to spread the story
of Jesus’ miraculous birth.  And it is up to us to forgive, love, extend
grace, and treat others with kindness so the flames never extinguish.

There is hope in the flame, and it is up to us to keep it burning.  It is
up to us to light one another’s wick so the love can spread like
wildfire.  And it is up to us to make sure we take care of one another so
the darkness does not engulf our happiness or our belief in the good of
mankind.  God’s light will overcome anything the evil forces emerge from
the shadows.  So, let His light shine upon you.  Allow God to take
the wheel and drive you along the path He has created.  And let His flame
ignite a fire inside you that sparks others to draw near to His teachings, so
they too can enjoy the everlasting light that will come once our time on this
Earth ends!

There is Hope in the Flame2022-02-28T11:21:50-07:00

In the Still of Night

In the Still of Night
By Justin March

It is quiet tonight.  Life has been so crazy the last 60 days, it feels
like an eternity since I have found myself sitting in peace.  The silence
overcomes me, and although I relish in the relaxation and serenity of the
night, somehow the lack of noise is still deafening.  My mind begins to
race with everything I want to accomplish this week, and although the sound is
absent, these thoughts create a noise inside me that feels difficult to
extinguish.

Why do I find it so difficult to embrace the stillness I long for?  I can
go all week praying for a few moments of silence, but once it is granted, I
find myself feeling guilty about wasting the precious moments I have.
Instead of taking the time to take a few deep breaths and allow the quiet to
overcome me, I become anxious about the list I have and the chance to cross off
something from its’ never-ending demands.  It becomes a vicious cycle, and
the more I seem to accomplish, the more the list seems to grow.

It is quiet tonight.  Maybe I should let everything go and breathe in the
Holy Spirit that is begging for my attention.  Maybe I should shove the
chores aside and take some time to relax, reflect, and rejuvenate.  And
maybe I should remember that it is the season of Advent where God is
challenging me to slow down and wait patiently for the arrival of His
Son.

Are you feeling worn out or overwhelmed?  Are you struggling to keep up
with life’s great demands?  If so, take a few moments for yourself.
Take some time to find the stillness the Advent Season brings.  And when
you capture those quiet moments, like I have tonight, make sure to embrace them
and thank God for the promises he brings during this special time of the
year.  For in these calm moments, we find a peace that only He can breathe
into our lives.  And once we allow that peace to overcome us, we find
ourselves refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on anything this crazy
would wants to throw our way!

In the Still of Night2022-02-28T11:23:54-07:00

Pray Without Ceasing

Pray Without Ceasing
By Justin March

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:15-18

In the season of Thanksgiving, I find this passage by the Apostle Paul
intriguing.   In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul commands
them to stop being anxious about their lives and to pray without ceasing.
Of course, if we take this passage literally, it would be impossible to
accomplish.  We must eat, drink, speak, and rest which all would be done
without praying.  But, if we take these words for what Paul intended, he
is saying that we can pray without ceasing by depending on God in every aspect
of life, praying repeatedly and often, staying steadfast in prayer even when we
feel it is not being answered, and being disciplined in prayer by praying when
life is both good and bad.

 

When we train ourselves to pray without ceasing, our lives become enriched and
our worries subside.  It allows us to express gratitude for God’s gifts,
to receive guidance about every aspect of life, to develop an attitude of
dependency and trust in the Lord, and to be in constant communication with
Him.  Praying without ceasing gives us the chance to thank God in all
situations, and when we occupy our minds with giving thanks to Him, we have no
time for worrying or complaining.  And the more we practice prayers of
thankfulness, the weaker our negative outlook on life becomes.

Sometimes we get bogged down in thinking that prayer means we need to kneel, bow
our heads, and express well thought out and rehearsed verses.  Sometimes
our well intentioned prayers get lost because we feel they need to be
perfect.  But if we remember to pray without ceasing, we will understand
that simple acts of depending on God and thanking Him for everything keep us in
His light.

We
simply need to remember to thank God for each day.  We need to thank Him
for the beauty and brightness, instead of being engulfed by the darkness and
adversity the day may bring.  And when we focus on being thankful and
appreciative of what God has bestowed upon us, He becomes our companion, walks
by our side, and gives us a fresh perspective that is both positive and
contagious as we encounter any dark situation this world wants to throw our way.

As you begin your new week, try to practice prayer without ceasing.  Try
to see God’s light in all situations and make sure to thank Him for
everything.  Whether the day brings you blessings, goodness, and happiness
or darkness, sorrow, and pain, remember to depend on God and be in constant
communication with Him.  By praying without ceasing, you no longer feel
yourself drawing away from God.  In fact, it is this prayer, and thoughts
of thankfulness, that bring you closer to Him.  And as you walk your daily
journey, with God by your side, your light shines bright, your positivity
becomes contagious, and your prayers attract others.

Praying without ceasing is a practice that was commanded in ancient times and
is still relevant today.  In a world full of negativity, adversity,
heartache, and darkness, it is a perfect way to replace the pain with light and
happiness.  It is a way to give thanks for all God does, and a constant
communication that brings us closer to the Lord.  And when we pray without
ceasing, we are fulfilling our missions by staying positive, extending
blessings, and being the light that brings others closer to Christ.

Pray Without Ceasing2022-02-28T11:24:58-07:00
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