Bruce, Jesus was speaking in the earlier verses about His coming again (v 27) after a time of great suffering. These verses had a partial fulfilment at the coming of Emporer Titus in AD 70 to destroy Jerusalem & the Temple. The people at that time would have thought that this was fulfilment of Jesus' words, but the full extent of those words haven't been realized as yet. They must point to another future event i.e. when Jesus comes again.
So when Jesus says "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.", he tells his disciples to be alert & ready for that great event. "To pray always" doesn't imply that all His followers must constantly be in a state of kneeling prayer (or nothing would ever get done). I understand that we are to, in our watchfulness, be also in prayerfulness, as being mindful of spiritual matters & not getting caught up with the worldly. The very act of praying is one's turning of attention from off ourselves & the world & onto the Lord Who is our Hope & Life. Paul used the same thought in 1 Thes 5:17, to "pray without ceasing". Again, that our attitude is one of utter dependence on the Lord & our readiness to call upon Him as our first resort, rather than to other people & things.
So, "how do you do this practically?" As you have reason to call upon the Lord wherever you are; as your spirit goes out to someone in need, or to those ministering the Word in difficult situations; as you are sharing the Word with another & you seek the Spirit's help in doing so; and your desire to keep short accounts with the Lord that you won't be ashamed at His Coming. These are just a few thoughts.
So when Jesus says "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.", he tells his disciples to be alert & ready for that great event. "To pray always" doesn't imply that all His followers must constantly be in a state of kneeling prayer (or nothing would ever get done). I understand that we are to, in our watchfulness, be also in prayerfulness, as being mindful of spiritual matters & not getting caught up with the worldly. The very act of praying is one's turning of attention from off ourselves & the world & onto the Lord Who is our Hope & Life. Paul used the same thought in 1 Thes 5:17, to "pray without ceasing". Again, that our attitude is one of utter dependence on the Lord & our readiness to call upon Him as our first resort, rather than to other people & things.
So, "how do you do this practically?" As you have reason to call upon the Lord wherever you are; as your spirit goes out to someone in need, or to those ministering the Word in difficult situations; as you are sharing the Word with another & you seek the Spirit's help in doing so; and your desire to keep short accounts with the Lord that you won't be ashamed at His Coming. These are just a few thoughts.
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