1 Thessalonians 5:17 says "Pray without ceasing."
I first read this and thought it meant to pray in church, in the morning, before bed, before meals and when we have problems like finding a parking space in San Francisco while desperately needing a restroom.
I avoid the formal "thee and thou" three point prayers the preacher says every Sunday and the well scripted prayers politicians say at prayer breakfast fundraisers.
I'll admit I have used the "get out of a jam" prayers to avoid consequences and embarrassment, I should pray about that.
Then there are the super humble maintenance prayers to clear the slate of black marks. These always begin with an "I'm not worthy" sucking up prayer.
These prayers are to make us feel better, our sins (black marks) are already forgiven and who are you to tell God you aren't worthy.
For the hip slick and cool crowd the laid back Jesus is just one of the guys prayers to show how nuanced we are but unfortunately shows how little respect we have for Him.
I have earnestly talked with God but put words in His mouth because I wanted the answer I wanted. Prayer is so confusing.
I will admit after 45 years of being a Christian my prayers are still hit and miss. I have had brief periods of amazing connection but other times Jesus seems so far away.
On my travels by bicycle I was fortunate to meet a man who had this "pray without ceasing" thing figured out. Over these 45 years God has put people in my path to teach me things, I believe this was one of those people.
I was traveling through Alabama on a hot muggy day in late July. The highway was under construction so it left little room to ride. The traffic was heavy and I was hot and tired.
There was a hurricane headed toward the coast so I was trying for some big miles to avoid the rain. I road about five dangerous miles and Dirty Harry's words came to mind, "A man must know his limitations" so I found a cheap motel. I thought I would start fresh in the morning.
After a shower and a good nights sleep I got back on the highway but the traffic was even heavier. At a gas station I learned there was thirty or more miles of construction ahead.
I sipped my morning coffee and noticed an ancient step side pickup with a homemade wooden flat trailer. It was piled with bags of aluminum cans and boxes of scrap metal. The owner was an old man who was finishing a salvaging expedition into the gas station trash cans. He brought an armful of aluminum treasure to the truck.
He noticed I was watching and smiled. He didn't ask me about my odd method of travel he just bagged his cans and started moving things around to make room for my bicycle.
He looked at me and said "bring your bike over here you need a ride". It wasn't a question he just knew I was heading east and knew the road was dangerous. I don't understand why he was so certain, he just knew.
I secured my bike, climbed in the truck and away we went. I'll admit Jesus was not on my mind but soon I realized there were three of us in the truck. I was about to get a ride from the village idiot or a wise man and looking back, maybe an angel.
He talked about Jesus, talked to Jesus and somehow included Jesus in our conversation. He did not preach to me, he somehow knew I was a Christian. I have never experienced a connection with a total stranger like this.
He talked like Jesus was his father, his brother, a friend and companion. It was a real conversation that he had been having for many many years.
He talked about everything. He laughed, thanked Jesus for everything, asked questions, expressed his love and concern for his handicapped son, his ill wife and my safety.
He asked Jesus to bless bad drivers, thanked Him when his truck started and thanked Him for his hand rolled cigarette. This guy was either the most spiritually connected man or he was crazy.
After a few trash can stops and an amazing conversation the construction ended and so did my ride.
I have never met a man so happy and at peace with life and so connected with Jesus. All of these years later I remember this old man or perhaps an angel.
One promise Jesus made to those who love and follow Him we will never be alone. This is the one promise I rely on. Jesus never abandoned me, not ever. I may not have felt Him but I knew He was there, because He promised.
Staying in constant contact with Jesus has been a challenge. This odd old man was able to live his life in a constant connection with Jesus. He prayed without ceasing, I now know it is possible.
I hope one day I will feel that comfortable living with Jesus at my side.
