Pondering Point

Right up there with the Apostle Paul’s call to “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), this verse clues us in to the notion that everything is a reason to pray. Even if you yourself are not in trouble as of now, who doesn’t know someone in trouble? They could use a prayer or two – and not just benefitting from a prayer about them but experiencing a prayer with them. Ask God for a spirit that can gently approach and pray with such trouble-hearted people.

From a vastly different perspective comes the question "is anyone happy?" The call to pray here is to "let them sing songs of praise." Do you know someone who sings about God's goodness even over small or simple blessings? I know a few. Such activity is usually indicative of a heart attuned to God. I like having such a heart -- AND this Bible verse shows that God likes you having such a heart.