We have often heard the call to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). But how do we do that? What prayer should we pray?
In the 5 Traditions and Practices of Prayer intensive with Dr. Bruce Hindmarsh, we explored this call to unending prayer through the practices of the Desert Fathers in the 3rd century. The practice of unceasing prayer was a core aspect of monastic life in the Desert Fathers, particularly as described by St. John Cassian. Their commitment to perpetual prayer was rooted in the belief that prayer was not just an occasional act, but a constant posture toward God. Through their example, we learn that prayer is not only about words but about keeping God present in our hearts and minds throughout every moment of life.
The Desert Fathers and Psalm 70:1
The Desert Fathers, in their pursuit of continual communion with God, relied on a simple yet profound formula of prayer: Psalm 70:1 — “Come to my help, O God; Lord, hurry to my rescue.” This verse, according to St. John Cassian, encapsulated everything they sought in their spiritual lives. It was a prayer that could be uttered in any circumstance, at any time.
Cassian notes that this prayer was not just for times of distress, but for all aspects of life. In moments of temptation, suffering, or even spiritual dryness, Psalm 70:1 is a cry for God’s immediate presence. It embodies:
- Humility: Acknowledging human weakness and the need for God’s help.
- Confidence: A belief that God is not distant, but near, ready to come to our aid.
- Watchfulness: It serves as a reminder to be vigilant against the attacks of sin and the distractions of daily life.
- Reassurance: The prayer is not only about asking for help but is a declaration of God’s constant readiness to assist.
For the Desert Fathers, this prayer was a spiritual weapon against the distractions and temptations that constantly sought to pull them away from their focus on God. They recognised that, just as the body requires nourishment, the soul requires continual prayer and attention to maintain a living relationship with God.
Living Out Unceasing Prayer
Cassian suggests that this prayer should become a constant mantra—a spiritual rhythm that echoes throughout the day. Whether one is working, eating, travelling, or even sleeping, the prayer of Psalm 70:1 should be on the lips and in the heart. The Desert Fathers would utter it silently in their hearts, like a hidden song, maintaining a connection with God even in the midst of their daily tasks.
The effectiveness of this continual prayer is found in its simplicity. Unlike more complex forms of prayer, Psalm 70:1 does not require lengthy thought or preparation. It is short, easy to remember, and can be repeated throughout the day. It can be recited in moments of joy or sorrow, success or failure, health or illness. It serves as a reminder that in every situation, God is with us, and our prayer is a continual plea for His intervention.
My Personal Experience
I found myself really connecting with the power of this practice during the intensive. At the time, I was supporting a close friend who was walking through what I can only describe as a “dark night of the soul.” They were wrestling with doubt, pain, and confusion. I found myself turning to Psalm 70:1, praying it not only over them but also over myself.
In that moment, I realised the beauty of this prayer: it wasn’t just words to offer—it became a lifeline. It allowed me to stay present with my friend in their pain and also to anchor myself in God’s presence. As I prayed, I was reminded that in moments of deep struggle and uncertainty, God is near, ready to help, and actively listening to our cries.
Since then, I’ve started praying that prayer throughout my day. Whenever I encounter moments of stress, overwhelm, or challenge, I say it quietly to myself: “Come to my help, O God; Lord, hurry to my rescue.” It’s a prayer that doesn’t ask for grand solutions but simply acknowledges my need for God’s constant presence. It helps me re-centre and refocus, reminding me that God is with me—even in the mess and grind of everyday life, offering peace in the chaos.
Incorporating Unceasing Prayer into Our Lives
In our modern world, the concept of unceasing prayer may seem challenging. We live busy lives, filled with distractions, work, responsibilities, and entertainment. Yet, the Desert Fathers remind us that prayer can be woven into every moment of our day. Here are a few practical ways to incorporate this practice into our lives:
- Repetition: Set aside time in the morning or before bed to recite Psalm 70:1 and reflect on its meaning. Gradually, allow it to become a constant thought in your heart, ready to be uttered in any circumstance.
- Mindful Moments: When transitioning between tasks or moments of activity (e.g., between work meetings, after meals, during walks), silently repeat the prayer. It helps to pause and reorient our hearts to God’s presence.
- During Times of Struggle: Whether battling temptation, anxiety, or sadness, we can use this prayer as a cry for help. We can let it become the voice of dependence and trust in God’s immediate care.
- Create Reminders: Place the prayer in places where you’ll see it frequently—on your desk, in your car, or on a sticky note by your bed. This serves as a visual reminder to keep God in our thoughts, no matter what we are doing.
- Before Sleep: As Cassian suggests, let Psalm 70:1 be your last thought before sleep, allowing it to settle your heart, body, and mind in peace.
A Transformative Practice
One of the most powerful things I learned from the Desert Fathers is that prayer doesn’t need to be reserved for certain “spiritual” moments. It doesn’t have to be long or eloquent. Sometimes, all we need is one simple phrase, spoken from the heart, that cuts through the noise of life and brings us back to the source of all peace.
