Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Thessalonians 5:17

"pray without ceasing;" — 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ASV)

Pray without ceasing. (See Barnes on Romans 12:12.)

The direction here may be fairly construed as meaning:

1. that we are to be regular and constant in the observance of the stated seasons of prayer. We are to observe the duty of prayer in private, in the family, and in the assembly convened to call on the name of the Lord. We are not to allow this duty to be interrupted or discontinued by any trivial cause. We are to act in such a way that it may be said we pray regularly in private, in the family, and at the usual seasons when the church to which we belong prays.

2. We are to maintain an uninterrupted and constant spirit of prayer. We are to be in such a frame of mind as to be ready to pray publicly if requested; and when alone, to use any moment of leisure we may have when we feel ourselves strongly inclined to pray. That Christian is in a bad state of mind who has allowed himself, by attention to worldly cares, or by light conversation, or by gaiety and vanity, or by reading an improper book, or by eating or drinking too much, or by late hours at night among the thoughtless and the vain, to be brought into such a condition that he cannot engage in prayer with proper feelings. There has been evil done to the soul if it is not prepared for communion with God at all times, and if it would not find pleasure in approaching his holy throne.