Pray without ceasing

Mosiah 26

Alma is troubled over the sins and transgressions of the people of the church and goes to the Lord and asks what he should do. The Lord speaks to him and in 19-20, I believe his calling and election is made sure. I could be wrong.

Verse 39 – Pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in all things.

I use to read this and really wonder how that was possible. As I get older, I can see it as a real thing. We can pray without ceasing. As we go through our day, we ponder on the affairs of the world, those who live around us, our spouses and our children. All are in need of improvement. None of us are perfect. Since prayer is both asking for and giving thanks for, it is entirely possible that one could have a prayer in their heart without ceasing. At every turn it seems there is something to be thankful for. This may be an age thing, but in so many ways I feel like I'm slow in my spiritual growth, so maybe not. As I see the amazing young people with whom we serve, I know they've already gotten this concept.

Today it seems there is a broader tolerance for the sinner. So many seem to go around persecuting the church and are not called out as the people in Alma's time. I don't know that this is good or bad; just something I've noticed.

So how do I apply this to me today? For sure I want to stay on the side of acceptance to the Lord. But in doing so, I want to try a little harder to keep a prayer in my heart always. To talk to the Lord as I go through my day. I do that some, but without ceasing? I don't think so yet.