35 Bible Verses on How to Pray without Ceasing

There are so many Scriptures on the power of prayer–and many of these Bible verses talk about how we can pray without ceasing. But what exactly does it mean to pray with ceasing?

How can we actually pray without stopping, and how much time in prayer should we spend each day? These are real questions that we can find the answers to in God’s Word.

Let’s take a look at what it means to pray without ceasing, and how we can call upon the name of the Lord each day for His power, hope and strength in our lives.

What does it mean to Pray without Ceasing?

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

This Bible verse in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 is the popular verse many Christians refer to when discussing how we can pray without ceasing. The Greek word ceasing in this verse literally means to pray uninterruptedly and incessantly, without omission or intermission (source).

How can we pray and talk to God incessantly, without stopping or without omission? God knows that we have daily tasks and duties that need tending to in our lives.

As much as we may want to, we cannot stay in our prayer closets all day–but we’ve got house work to do, jobs to go to, and people to take care of.

Praying without ceasing may seem like an impossible task–but think about it; when was the last time we told ourselves to BREATHE? Our bodies live, breathe and have their beings on auto-pilot while we go about our daily tasks.

Prayer can also be just as seamless as breathing.  It’s not something we have to force ourselves to do–it just comes naturally.

Praying without Ceasing in Our Minds

Or what about our thought life? According to the National Science Foundation, the average person thinks 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts in one day. Of those thoughts, 85% of them are negative, and 95% of those thoughts are the same repetitive thoughts from the previous day (source).

We don’t wake up and tell ourselves to think. We just do it–and according to this study, most of what people think about is negative! What would happen if the majority of those 12,000-60,000 thoughts each day were thoughts and prayers to God?

How would that radically transform our hearts and minds?! There is a reason Paul in Romans 12:2 says,

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

We need to allow God to transform our minds through His Word. When we fill our minds with the truth of His Word and allow his thoughts to become our thoughts, we will be in such union and connection with the Holy Spirit that we will truly pray without ceasing!

It reminds me of the words of David in Psalm 139,

How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still with you.

Psalm 139:17-18

When we lie down and arise with each new day, God is with us. Instead of filling our minds with anxious thoughts and worries about situations in our lives that we can’t control, let’s flood our minds with the beautiful thoughts of God!

When we delight in his presence and acknowledge that he is with us when we sit and rise, when we come and go, and when we perform our tasks for the day, we are praying without ceasing.

Practicing the Presence of God

Prayer is the most intimate and wonderful way we can communicate with God. We can do this silently in our minds while driving in our cars, doing the dishes, preparing meals, exercising, walking, or sitting at our kitchen tables.

Brother Lawrence, who served as a lay brother in a Carmelite monastery in Paris, said in his book The Practice of the Presence of God,

“We should establish ourselves in a sense of God’s presence, by continually conversing with Him.”

Living with a sense of the sweet presence of God and communing and conversing with him throughout the day is the essence of what it means to pray without ceasing.

Bible Verses on Praying without Ceasing

Here are 35 other powerful Bible verses (in addition to 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) that we can use to renew our minds and pray without ceasing.

Romans 12:12

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Romans 12:12 

Prayer: Lord, help me to rejoice in hope, to be patient in my trials and tribulations, and to be faithful and constant in prayer.  Help me to put my hope and trust in you as I lean upon you each day. Amen.

Ephesians 1:18

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people…

Prayer: Lord, open the eyes of my heart, that I may be enlightened to know you better, and the fully understand the hope to which you have called me. According to your glorious inheritance, teach me your ways. Amen.

Ephesians 6:18 

Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints…

Prayer: Lord, help me to pray at all times, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I offer my prayers to you right now. Help me to stay focused and alert, to persevere in the midst of difficult situations, and help me to never stop praying for the body of Christ. Amen.

Matthew 6:6  

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Prayer: Lord, there are times when I need to go to my prayer closet and shut the door. Thank you that you hear my heart’s cry and you hear my every prayer that is preto behind closed doors. Thank you that I can go to you in my secret place. You are my Hiding Place, and you will meet me in my time of need. Amen.

Colossians 4:2  

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

Prayer: Lord, help me to give thanks to you today. Help me to also be watchful and vigilant, for the enemy prowls like a lion. Help me to never stop praying for the loved ones in my life. Guard them and keep them safe, and help me to shine the light of your love to others around me. Help me to continue to pray without ceasing, and to be steadfast in my prayers to you. Amen.

Romans 8:26-27

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you help me in my weaknesses. You know what I need and you promise in your word to meet me in my time of need. There are times when I just don’t know what to pray for. In those times, Holy Spirit, I thank you that you intercede on my behalf.  Take my thoughts and prayers from the depths of my heart, and make them known to the Father. In Jesus name, Amen.

Matthew 21:22 

“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

Prayer: Lord thank you that your word says that whatever I ask in you in prayer according to your will I can have faith to receive it.  grant me all that I need today to serve and love you with my whole heart. Amen.

Matthew 6:9-13 

Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving us the gift of the Lord’s Prayer. I praise and glorify your name today. I ask that your will be done in my life, on earth as it is in heaven. Give me today my daily bread and provisions. Please forgive me of my sins, and  help me to forgive others who have sinned against me.

Thank you that you do not lead me into temptation, but you provide a way for me to stand strong and firm. Deliver me from the enemy, and I praise you that I have victory in the name of Jesus. Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen!

1 John 5:14 

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.

Prayer: Lord, I Thank you that I have the confidence to know and believe in my heart that if I ask anything according to your will, you hear me. Thank you for this wonderful promise. May your will be done in my life each day. Amen.

John 15:7  

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Prayer: Lord, your word says that if I remain and abide and dwell with you, you will remain with me.  help me to stay connected to you. You are the vine, and I am the branch. I thank you for hearing my prayer. Amen.

1 Peter 5:7  

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that I can cast all of my worries and anxieties upon you, because you care for me. Thank you for letting me release all of my fears and worries to you. You care for me, and you love me. For that I am eternally grateful. Amen.

John 14:13  

Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that for whatever I ask in your name, you will do–so that God the Father may be glorified in you. Hallelujah! Praise your holy name. Amen.

2 Chronicles 7:14  

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Prayer: Lord, you are a good God! You promise in your Word that you will heal our land when we humble ourselves and pray to you. Help me to seek your face daily and to turn from my wicked ways. Search me and know my heart oh Lord, to see if there are any sinful ways within me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Thank you God that you will hear me from Heaven. Thank you that you forgive me of my sins, and please Lord, heal our land. In Jesus name, amen.

Hebrews 4:16 

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you that I can approach your throne of grace with confidence, and that I will receive the grace and mercy to help me in my time of need. Thank you that I can go to you anytime I need you. Amen.

Matthew 6:7 

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you that I don’t have to pray fancy, eloquent  words for you to hear me.  You hear my every thought and prayer, even the prayers that are a mere whisper. Help me to pray to you, my God and Savior, each day. Amen.

Hebrews 13:15 

Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.

Prayer: Lord, help me to continually offer a sacrifice of praise to you, my God. May the fruit of my lips always acknowledge the power of your holy name. Amen. 

Luke 18:1  

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

Prayer: Lord, in the parable of the persistent widow, you told us how we can pray and not lose heart. Help me to continually pray and go to you each day with my requests. Thank you that you will never, ever turn me away! Help me to not lose heart, but to always pray continually, without ceasing. Amen.

2 Thessalonians 1:11  

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power…

Prayer: Lord, help me to always remember to pray for my friends, family, and church community. Make us worthy of your calling, that we may fulfill every good and glorious work of faith through your strength and power, in Jesus name, amen. 

Romans 12:11  

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, help me to remain steadfast and firm in my prayer life. Help me to not be idle or slothful in my zeal for you, but to be fervent in the spirit, ready to serve you with diligence and faithfulness. In Jesus name, amen.

Daniel 6:10 

When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.

Prayer: Lord, help me to pray faithfully to you, as Daniel did.  He did not back down from following your commands and seeking you wholeheartedly, even when it cost him everything.  Help me to daily pray without ceasing and give thanks to you. Amen.

Psalm 147:1 

Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.

Prayer: Lord, help me to always have a song in my heart of praise and thanksgiving to you. You are good, and your love and mercy endures forever! Amen.

Romans 8:34 

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you are interceding for me right now, even as I pray to you. Thank you that through your sacrifice on the cross, I am no longer condemned, but have access to the Father through you. Amen.

Luke 18:7-8 

“And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you give justice to me and to those you have chosen. May I pray to you without ceasing, day and night, knowing that you will give me justice quickly. Thank you that you are a God of righteousness and justice. Amen.

Luke 21:36 

“But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Prayer: Lord, you spoke to the disciples and exhorted them to be alert and watchful. In the same way, help me to be alert and aware of what is around me, and give me the strength to stand strong. Amen.

1 Peter 4:7 

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.

Prayer: Lord, help me to remember that you are coming soon. Help me to be alert and of sober and sound mind, so that I can pray with fervent power in these last days. May your will be done on this earth. Amen.

Psalm 69:9 

For zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.

Prayer: Lord, fill my heart with passion and zeal for you and for your place of worship. May my fervent passion and love for you move me to serve you with gladness and devotion.

1 Chronicles 16:11 

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

Prayer: Lord, help me to seek you and your strength today, and always. May I delight to dwell in your presence each day. Amen.

1 Chronicles 4:10 

Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you granted Jabez his request, and thank you that you also hear my every prayer. Please bless me, and enlarge my territory, and may your hand be with me and my family. Protect me from harm, and give me the strength to endure the difficult situations in my life. Amen.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

Prayer: Lord, help me to pray and intercede for all people, for those in high authority, and for those who are considered the “least of these”. Each and every person has dignity, as we are all created in your glorious image. Help me to extend grace and love to all people, and help us to live peaceful and God-honoring lives each day. Amen. 

Mark 11:24 

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that I can firmly believe that I will receive what I ask for in prayer. When I pray according to your Word and will, I can confidently trust that you have heard me. Thank you for your love, and for the power of your Word. Amen.

Psalm 145:18 

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you are near to my right now, as I call on your name with faith and in truth. May I sense and experience the power of your presence today. Amen.

James 5:13 

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that I can pray to you about anything. When I am suffering, I pray. In times of joy and happiness, may I sing songs of praise to you. In times of great despair, may I lift up my prayers to you. No matter my emotions, feelings or situation, help me to pray without ceasing. Amen.

1 Timothy 2:8 

I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling…

Prayer: Lord, thank you that I, along with your people, are called to lift up holy hands in prayer to you. Instead of anger and quarreling, unify us together, that those in the world will know we belong to you. Amen.

Philippians 4:6-7 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, help me by the power of your Holy Spirit, not to be anxious about anything, and thank you that instead, I can pray to you about everything. With thanksgiving in my heart, I offer my supplications and requests before you, knowing that your peace will surpass my understanding.

I ask that you will guard my heart and mind in you this day, and every day. Amen.

Luke 11:1 

Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you that I can look to your example in the Gospels of how you prayed without ceasing. Teach me to pray, as you taught your disciples to pray. Amen.

In Conclusion

Oh how sweet it is to commune with God in unceasing prayer! I hope that these Bible verses on how to pray without ceasing give you encouragement and strength as we learn to practice the presence of God, renew our minds according to his Word, and to pray without ceasing. 

May our prayers and thoughts become as natural as breathing, as we inhale the breath of God’s Spirit and live with rejuvenated peace and joy!

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