The Bible commands believers to pray "without ceasing," which on its face appears to be more difficult than observing most of the better-known Ten Commandments. Are you really supposed to pray constantly, continuously? What about eating and sleeping? And working? And building relationships with your family and friends? And listening to music? And homework? And checking out the freshest stuff on the Internet?

Is it really possible to pray all the time?

A posture of awareness

From my perspective, prayer is a posture. By that, I mean that it's a way of approaching God--and it's a way of approaching your life. A "prayer full" posture does not mean one literally spends days, weeks, months and years on your knees locked in conscious conversation with God. Rather, life is spent growing ever more aware of the source of deepest gladness and trust--in constant communication through that awareness.

Be a person of prayer - in a posture of awareness of and gratitude to God. For further insight into prayer, read Philippians 4:6-9. For the prayer Jesus taught to his followers, read Matthew 6:5-15.

Finally, if you're having trouble praying, notice the common thread in the above passages and the ones at left. Is there unconfessed sin in your life? Lack of obedience? Someone you need to forgive? Make it right--and pray.