Pray without ceasing...or Preach without ceasing

We have probably heard that Paul asked believers in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to "pray without ceasing." Setting one's heart and mind on God in all things and in all moments is the call of Christians. I have long wondered how this lofty goal can be reached, though the practicing of prayer daily has had a deep effect upon me, especially as I prepared to go to seminary, during seminary, and since ordination to the transitional diaconate.

Once I began working as a school chaplain, I find myself struggling to stick with my previous practice of reading the Daily Office each day. Finding time for individual time with God has, perhaps ironically, been somewhat difficult in the busy days of ministry.

By contrast, I find myself on a cycle of preaching very often. I have several chapels to lead each week (5+), and this week, I am preaching at 4 different services. Twice to the upper school, once to the middle, and once to the lower school. I find myself exegeting, praying with the scriptures, and trying to find something to say that is new nearly each day. I'm a bit exhausted by it, but also somewhat invigorated. I am looking at preaching tomorrow on a bit of the Sunday lectionary from last week (Luke 15:1-10), while also reflecting on Matthew for the Feast day for St. Matthew on Friday. I'm not sure that Paul had in mind that we would preach without ceasing, but that is what it feels like right now ... !