What Does It Mean to Pray Without Ceasing?

Published: April 13, 2021

"Rejoice always. Do not quench the Spirit. In everything give thanks. Pray without ceasing." Paul challenged the church in Thessalonica with these words in 1 Thessalonians and today Greenville College students are taking on these same challenges through the bi-annual event, Without Ceasing November 3-4.

Without Ceasing is an event designed by students, but for the entire community. The event lasts 12 hours through the night and allows participants to engage in holistic worship through the ideas found in 1Thessalonians. "In verse 17, Paul specifically says, Pray without ceasing.' We are attempting to train our minds to actually do this. Prayer is powerful, brings honor to God, and it sets us up in the way to receive grace. Scripture says that the Lord inhabits the praises of His people, and so Without Ceasing is a chance to encounter the presence of God in community," says senior and co-founder Kayli Catron.

The event began during the fall semester of 2009 after a group of students felt the need for this kind of community worship opportunity. The first event was well attended by over 100 students and has since grown to become an event that students look forward to each semester. Throughout the night, participants have the opportunity to engage in worship through music, in a quiet prayer room, by creating art, through foot-washing, by taking communion, by volunteering at the Simple Room and/or taking cookie trays and coffee to the hospital and police station, or by giving financially to a non-profit organization. The event focuses on holistic worship and allows the community to pray and worship together.

"Without Ceasing is a unique opportunity for students to worship in new ways. For many people, worshipping through art, through giving of time, and through giving money are either foreign concepts or not at the forefront of their minds. Holistic worship is more than coming together through song, though song is a powerful medium. It is the full encompassing of song, service, community, prayer, creativity, receiving the Eucharist, and quiet," explains Catron.

Without Ceasing is a student-lead initative supported by the Greenville College Chapel program.

For more information contact media@greenville.edu.