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In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, we are admonished to “pray without ceasing” to accurately depict a constant prayerful attitude, or having begun a life of prayer to continue, or both. The Bible is replete with examples of the wicked suffering punishment, but it also describes what would appear to be “good folk” just as shut out as those seeking refuge in Noah’s day after the door was shut. In Luke 13:25-28, there were people who attempted a protest of being shut out based upon familiarity. It didn’t work. In Matthew 7:22ff, people who actually carried out or at least professed to have carried good works were also denied entry. Five of the ten virgins found themselves shut out of the marriage feast because they were unprepared. The only common thread relative to these stories is the active continuation of our faith sufficient to the day in which we live.
As was noted in the Bruce Commentaries in the case of the virgins, “the oil was good oil while it lasted but the oil that was used yesterday will not keep today’s lamps lit.” Maybe the end of time will come without warning Matthew 25:13. Maybe a time of temptation will come when we don’t expect it. Such daily prayers not only see to our daily need but also keep us “primed” for spiritual thought in the middle of a carnal world. Jesus prayed often and we are not amiss to assume that while in this earthly body he recognized a tremendous need to do so. Is such recognition lost to us? Are we only able to see that need under duress or oppression? Let us gravitate from praying for preparedness to understanding more clearly that prayer is preparing. Let us focus on the day at hand. Yesterday is gone and the fight is at hand. Whatever we did or failed to do pales in comparison to where we are now. The things we could have done or said and didn’t may haunt the particulars of our memory and that is truly sad. But, oh, how tragic should we recognize a need, have the know ledge to correct it and still let it slip away. Let us then resolve a greater diligence regarding the actions we may employ today because of yesterday’s prayers.
Tim Turpin
Ware Branch Church of Christ
Harrison,TN