Prayer should be as natural to the spiritual person as breathing is to the physical person. The believer who walks with God will always be in conversation with Him. Just as breathing is an automatic, essential function for physical life, prayer in this view becomes an automatic, essential part of spiritual life. It suggests that prayer isn’t just for special occasions or formal settings but is woven into the fabric of daily life.

The notion of walking with God implies a continuous, ongoing dialogue, not limited to structured prayers but extending to a running conversation where one shares joys, fears, decisions, and moments of gratitude throughout the day. It’s akin to having a close friend or companion with whom you share every aspect of your life. Just as not breathing would lead to physical distress, a lack of prayer might be seen as spiritually detrimental. This perspective encourages believers to maintain this spiritual “breathing” to sustain their spiritual health and vitality.

This approach to prayer fosters a deep personal relationship with God, where He is not a distant figure but an immediate presence in one’s life. It aligns with the idea of God being an ever-present help and companion. The phrase “pray without ceasing” from 1 Thessalonians 5:17, though often misunderstood, does not mean non-stop prayer but rather “constantly recurring prayer.” The Greek word adialeiptos implies a habitual devotional spirit, one where our hearts are attuned to the divine, much like love can be unceasing.

Adoration for God can enable one to be constantly aware of His presence, creating a desire to punctuate days, hours, and minutes with communion, fellowship, praise, or prayer. This adoration transforms intermittent and mumbling prayers into a constant attitude of reverence and dependence on God. It is possible to keep one’s mind consciously in God’s presence, making prayer a state of being rather than just an act.

When we talk about growing in our prayer lives, we’re addressing much more than just the mechanics or methods. The focus of prayer is not on the act itself but on God. We pray not to simply go through the motions but to experience God’s presence. Prayer and God’s presence are two sides of the same coin; awareness of His presence comes from spending time communing with Him. Prayer deepens our relationship with God, teaching us His mind and will. To pray is to become increasingly aware that God’s Spirit resides within us, changing how we experience life by bringing us into His presence and offering us an eternal perspective.

To learn to live in the spirit of prayer is to learn to walk in the presence of God, as exemplified by Brother Lawrence, a seventeenth-century French monk who “practiced the presence of God.” This involves listening and seeking guidance until we are aware of His leading in all the circumstances of our lives. Prayer involves living out of a divine center—allowing our faith to permeate every facet of our lives.

When we practice being aware of God’s presence, we begin to recognize His signals throughout the day. We can commune with the Lord anytime, anywhere—whether in the car, at work, at home, during exercise, or lying in bed at night. Prayer is not confined to church or to being on our knees; it’s about recognizing God’s presence in and around us.

This kind of living doesn’t happen effortlessly. It requires a desire and a commitment to seek constant communion with God through disciplines like prayer, studying and meditating on His Word, and listening. This communion becomes a launching pad for effective service and ministry, fostering intimacy that brings confidence and peace, affirming our relationship with the living God.

Prayer changes a person. When we pray, we enter into the presence of God, and one cannot be in the presence of a holy God without transformation. Thus, real prayer is life-creating and life-changing, drawing us closer to the heartbeat of God, highlighting our needs, and increasing our desire to be conformed to Christ.