"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (I Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Ceaseless prayer is the pilgrim path through wild seaways and wildernesses.  Rejoicing and thanksgiving are the trail markers that keep the worshiper faring the way through thriving, dying, celebrating, and mourning.  The stoutest peregrine takes not one step more when self pity, rebel complaints, or conceit disoblige.  “Rejoice always,” heads the trail; thanksgiving in everything quickens tired steps; prayer companions all the way. 

The colony at Plymouth Rock knew well rejoicing, prayer, and thanks-giving.  These anchored them in the ocean and grounded them on land. Feet on the ground and Heaven bound, they had a purpose written in the Charter of the Plymouth Council stating, "In the hope thereby to advance the enlargement of the Christian religion, to the glory of God Almighty."   The "thereby" proved to be there by way of the cross. 

The way is full of paradox: advancing yet surrendered, sorrowing yet rejoicing, tried yet thankful, purposed yet yielding in prayer, planned and chartered yet coursed by God.

Thank You, God, for Your always-without-ceasing-in-everything will concerning this pilgrim, for Your glory.  Amen. 

Author: Carolyn Roehrig