What Does it mean to pray without ceasing?
To be in an attitude of prayer throughout the day, sometimes verbally praying, sometimes sending up little silent requests, etc.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV) "Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
1 Peter 4:7 "But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer."
Romans 12:12 "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;"
Ephesians 6:18 (NKJV) "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints."
Colossians 4:2 (NKJV) 2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;
"We need to pray without ceasing—not to be in vocal prayer all the time, but you will never see the time when you feel you can cease praying. The praying, asking in faith, believing, will always bring returns. Be of good courage. Press on in faith and hope, having on the whole armor of righteousness, and having done all to stand, etc. {Lt191-1900.10}
We need to pray without ceasing. Let the heart long after God. Let the heart go out in daily, hourly prayer, believing, trusting, holding on to the promise, saying as did Jacob, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.] “Hold up my goings in thy path,” O God, “that my footsteps slip not” into pitfalls which men have dug for my feet. [Psalm 17:5.] {Lt71-1898.9}
"I wish I could make my voice heard across the broad waters, saying to you as dear children, and to every human being, “Walk carefully and humbly before God. Pray without ceasing. Though you cannot always be on your knees, your thoughts can continually ascend to God in silent, earnest supplication that His Spirit may attend you as you search His Word for directions. Flee from those who would fill your mind with the poisonous malaria of distrust and unbelief. Keep in the channel of light. Associate with those sound in the faith, those that have a deep experience in the things of God.” {Lt135-1897.13}
"'Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.' [Mark 8:34.] Those who will do this willingly, because it is the right thing to do, dispensing with everything unnecessary; those who will study the life of Christ, and pray with heart, and soul, and voice, in the family circle, when walking the streets, when engaged in business, always bearing in mind the exhortations the Lord has given, “Pray without ceasing;” “continuing instant in prayer.” “Watch unto prayer,” will have a divine Companion with them who will lead them in paths of safety. [1 Thessalonians 5:17; Romans 12:12; 1 Peter 4:7.] Let not your thoughts be diverted from the point; but saying, “I will follow thee, my Saviour,” make your words true. {Ms37-1896.1}
"Christ has urged that His people pray without ceasing. This does not mean that we should always be upon our knees; but that prayer is to be as the breath of the soul. Our silent requests, wherever we may be, are to be ascending unto God, and Jesus our Advocate pleads in our behalf, bearing up with the incense of his righteousness our requests to the Father." {Lt13-1894.15}
"We need constantly a sense of the divine Presence, and we need also humble trust in God. Let us pray without ceasing. Wherever we are or whatever we are doing, let us ask the Lord to help and strengthen us to do His holy will." {Ms187-1903.19}
"“I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world,” Christ continued, “but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” [Verse 15.] Church members should exercise every ability God has given them to answer this prayer. They are to ask God earnestly and frequently to keep them from the evil that is in the world. Christ has charged His followers to pray without ceasing. Never fail to importune with God in private prayer. Never cease to intercede with Him; for when you fail to pray you are strengthless to resist Satan’s temptations." {Ms11-1901.3}
Remaining in an attitude of prayer throughout the day, and sending up little requests quietly or verbally, as needed, is what is comprehended in "pray without ceasing."