The advice of Paul to the Thessalonians, “Pray without ceasing,” strikes a chord deep within, even as the conscious mind sputters, “that’s not even possible.” Something rises up and there is a knowing that it is true, with or without understanding what it could mean. Obviously one cannot live in our world constantly on our knees petitioning the Lord with prayer. Another understanding of prayer is necessary.

 We all have within us a presence which is variously named and spoken of, but which, I believe, all experience in much the same way. Called by some, among many more names, the higher self, the Buddha mind, the still small voice, the I Am, Jesus, God or the Is, it is the source of our being and the force that animates all of existence. We have a connection to it because we are made up of it. I believe that it is who we really are and through it we truly are one with all. Realization of this connection to the One is the reason for being of all of the world’s religions and philosophies.

The seeming disconnection from Source is the fall of humanity referred to by various religions and the cause of most of our pain and suffering. Our problem is that we see the world as real and try to deal with it as such by using what mentality as we have developed along with our emotional makeup and physical senses. That this proves to be insufficient and meets with mixed results at best is evidenced by our experience of life. But we all, at times in our lives, have received guidance that, when followed, led inevitably to the proper end. Some have had more of this experience than others, but we can all access it at any time. In seeking the awareness that resides in the silence, we find that even in the shortest gap between thoughts it is there. That bit of consciousness is the tiniest tip of the immensity of our true being. It is the source of our being and of all of the good that existence has to offer. When Jesus said, “Seek first the Kingdom and all else will be added to you,” He spoke of just this connection. Awareness of our connection to, and being of the essence of, God restores us to our proper place. We then can create our lives from the unlimited source of all being instead of struggling to manage our lives from the levels of limitation.

Proper prayer is a form of meditation. Proper prayer seeks by many means to establish and strengthen our awareness of our connection to God. Many teach that meditation is to be practiced regularly for thirty minutes or an hour in the morning and the evening, for example. A formal practice such as that is a very good thing. A meditative/prayerful discipline is fundamental. But what was Paul communicating in his letter to the Thessalonians? Let’s widen the context just a bit. Adding from the verses before and after, he says, “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks.” He is saying; Be always happy, remain continuously aware of and operating from the true source of your being, and express gratitude constantly for the blessings of your existence. This will bring us into the Kingdom of Heaven right here on earth, our rightful state.