The Call to a Lifestyle of Prayer
Prayer is not merely an activity—it is an identity. Too often, prayer is reduced to a moment of crisis or a religious obligation. But God calls you to live a life saturated in prayer—to breathe it, to walk in it, to carry it with you wherever you go. This is the call to a lifestyle of prayer.
Paul exhorted the church in Colossae:
“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.”(Colossians 4:2, NASB)
This is more than a command—it is an invitation to communion without interruption. To devote yourself to prayer is to become a person of deep, enduring faith, anchored in constant conversation with God. Are you visiting prayer, or are you living in it?
The Burning Incense: A Picture of Continuous Prayer
In the Tabernacle of Moses and later in the Temple of Solomon, a golden Altar of Incense stood before the veil of the Holy of Holies.
- The incense was to burn continually before the Lord, day and night.(Exodus 30:7-8)
- The smoke of the incense symbolized the prayers of God’s people rising continually before His throne. (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 8:3-4)
- The priests tended the incense morning and evening, ensuring it never went out.
“May my prayer be counted as incense before You; The raising of my hands as the evening offering.” (Psalm 141:2, NASB)
The burning incense is a picture of a lifestyle of prayer. It is unceasing, continuous, and unwavering. Just as the incense rose day and night, your prayers should rise without interruption.
Why a Lifestyle of Prayer is So Powerful
1. Continuous Prayer Anchors You in God’s Presence
A lifestyle of prayer keeps you anchored in God’s presence. When you pray continually, you carry an awareness of His nearness, regardless of circumstance.
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NASB)
You are never truly alone when you live in continuous communion.
2. A Lifestyle of Prayer Empowers You with Spiritual Authority
Consistent prayer builds unshakeable faith. When prayer becomes your lifestyle, your words carry spiritual authority. You don’t just react to circumstances—you declare God’s will over them.
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7, NASB)
3. Consistent Prayer Keeps You Aligned with God’s Will
A lifestyle of prayer keeps your heart aligned with God’s desires. You don’t just seek answers—you seek His face. Prayer shapes you, molds you, and conforms you to His will.
“Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10, NASB)
The Difference Between Occasional Prayer and a Lifestyle of Prayer
- Occasional prayer is an event; a lifestyle of prayer is a continuous communion.
- Occasional prayer seeks relief; a lifestyle of prayer seeks relationship.
- Occasional prayer reacts to problems; a lifestyle of prayer proactively establishes God’s will.
- Occasional prayer ends with “Amen”; a lifestyle of prayer never stops.
A lifestyle of prayer is about cultivating constant communication with God. It is about living in unceasing fellowship and uninterrupted communion.
How to Live a Lifestyle of Prayer
- Pray throughout your day. Talk to God in every moment—whether in joy or struggle.
- Cultivate thanksgiving. Keep a grateful heart, constantly acknowledging God’s goodness.
- Pray the Word. Declare God’s promises in your prayers. Let His Word shape your language of faith.
- Practice listening prayer. Allow moments of silence for God to speak.
- Incorporate worship. Praise is prayer set to music—let worship fill your home, car, and heart.
- Pray in the Spirit. Pray beyond your understanding, trusting the Holy Spirit to intercede through you.
Real-World Examples of a Lifestyle of Prayer
1. Brother Lawrence’s Unbroken Communion
Brother Lawrence, a 17th-century monk, practiced “the presence of God” while working in the kitchen. He turned mundane tasks into moments of worship, living in continuous prayer. His life became a testimony of unbroken communion with God.
2. Susanna Wesley’s Prayer Legacy
Susanna Wesley, mother of John and Charles Wesley, prayed continuously amidst raising ten children. She would cover her head with her apron, creating a secret place of prayer in the middle of chaos. Her lifestyle of prayer birthed a revival that changed nations.
3. The 24-7 Prayer Movement
Inspired by the Moravian prayer chain that lasted 100 years, the modern 24-7 Prayer Movement continues unbroken intercession worldwide. Their lifestyle of prayer fuels global revival.
A Call to Become a Person of Deep, Enduring Prayer
Are you just praying occasionally, or are you living in unbroken communion? God is calling you to a lifestyle of prayer—to be as incense rising before His throne day and night.
Will you commit to continuous prayer? Will you cultivate a heart that beats in rhythm with His? Become a person of deep, enduring prayer, and live in constant fellowship with the Almighty.
Let your life be the incense, your breath the prayer, and your heart the altar. Devote yourself to prayer, and let every moment become a sanctuary.
Prayer
Father, I thank You for the call to live a lifestyle of prayer. Teach me to dwell in continuous communion with You. Let my heart be an altar and my words be incense rising before Your throne. I want to abide in Your presence, to walk in Your authority, and to live in unbroken fellowship. Let my life be a living prayer, and may every breath declare Your glory. In the name of Yeshua, Amen.