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HopeOfZion wrote:

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Regarding the concept of what it means to pray without ceasing... I agree, its not the "get on your knees and say a formal prayer" kind of praying. I was just reading something on this praying continually thing, and what the author said is that we remain continually aware, conscious (if you will) of God, at all times, and that we learn the art of very short, brief, prayer communication with him about everything going on around us... and yes, much of it is listening.

An example of how this works might be something like this:

You walk from your car to the entrance of your workplace.
You take a moment to notice your surroundings, and see someone else getting out of their car.
You might reach out to the Lord in your thoughts, and wonder along with him... should I walk a little slower, and maybe see if I should hold the door open for them?
You decide maybe you could slow up a bit...you have time after all.
They catch up to you, and say they forgot their key-card today, and thank you for letting them in.
You tell them they are welcome, and you observe their countenance, that they seem stressed out... so, almost subconsciously as you ask them how they are doing, you are also feeling out after the Lord to ask Him if there is anything you should pray for this person today. You get the sense that you should pray that they might find an opportunity that day to slow down a moment and sense His presence. That they might feel after God, and find that peace the passes all understanding. Perhaps you pray that if there is anything you can do to witness to them that day, that God reveals it to you.

etc.

I have done this type of thing for stretches of time... I have not succeeded in doing it full time, but it has been a blessing when I have, and after a day of this, as we lay down at night, we let our last thoughts rest upon God and His purposes, and to me... this would be praying continually. It shouldn't exhaust us, and it should not interfere in our work. It is simply a companion, or a part of our normal thoughts all day... and no, we don't have to keep talking to God, we need to do more listening as Steve suggests. And part of that is simply being more observant of our surroundings and the people around us, and taking the time to pray about how you can help others, and be actively listening for God to speak to about any situation you may encounter.

Good topic!