Recently I joined a Covenant Discipleship group, which is a fairly new experience for me. I wasn’t sure I wanted to be that accountable for my life as a Christian, trying to follow the teachings and examples of Jesus Christ. We worked together to developed our covenant, putting down on paper the goals we are willing to strive for and commit to—goals that lead us to a life that exemplifies Christ and the gospel.

As a new member I was a bit cautious about what I would be willing to strive for, without too much effort. It was all right with me, until we wrote, ‘We will seek to daily practice the presence of God through unceasing prayer.’ How was I going to do this? I couldn’t pray unceasingly during my waking hours for myself, my family, or my friends. How was I going to work toward this part of our covenant?

My answer: I would pray for persons and situations I see in my daily life. I recall saying a prayer when I saw an ambulance, firefighting equipment, or the emergency helicopter landing at a hospital near my workplace. Previously I had said this prayer from time to time, but as a member of this Covenant Discipleship Group, I made it an intentional act. I say, “Creator God, your healing presence be with this family.” I say a prayer for per-sons stranded on the highway; the homeless person at the exit ramp, if I am not able to stop; the mother and children walking to the bus stop; the driver who refuses to allow another driver to merge.

For me, unceasing prayer means intentional prayers for all aspects and situations of my daily life. I still pray for my family and friends, but now many other persons are included in my prayers. Many other persons not even aware of my prayer for God’s healing presence in their lives.

Send us your statement on prayer.

JoAnn Catolster is a new member of a Covenant Discipleship Group in Nashville, TN.