A few years back, the great R&B artist Usher released an album, and the opening track was an absolute banger in the club, “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop.” We won’t get into the lyrics of that song, but that title really sticks out to me, “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop.” People bring that kind of mentality into lots of areas of their life: their family, their job, their workouts, their hobbies. It’s a never-give-up mindset, “I’m NOT going to give up. I can’t stop, and I won’t stop.”

But according to the Holy Spirit through Apostle Paul, there is one particular area of our lives that we should especially be intentional to bring this can’t-stop-won’t-stop mindset into, our prayer life. He calls us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to pray without ceasing. That means don’t ever stop praying. Can’t stop, won’t stop.

Now, at first glance, one might think, “You mean God wants me voicing prayers all day long? I mean, I’ve got other stuff to do.” No, that’s not what the Holy Spirit means here. When He commands us to pray without ceasing, He’s calling us to live in a continual state of communication and connection with God. It’s having a heart that is always tuned in to Him—ready to talk, listen, and respond in every moment.

A person who prays without ceasing is constantly aware of God’s presence, frequently lifts up prayers to God, and lives dependently on Him moment by moment, not just in times of crisis. Really, praying without ceasing is more about the relationship through prayer than the ritual of prayer. It’s like walking in close friendship with God, rather than calling on Him only every now and then. Beloved, for those of us who are in Christ, this should be our life, and what a privilege this kind of life is.

Prayer should be like breathing. I can’t stop breathing, or I’ll die. Therefore, I’m going to do everything in my power to not stop. Same thing with prayer. Therefore, I’m going to pray without ceasing. Can’t stop. Won’t stop. And you shouldn’t either.

Change begins in you!