1 Thes. 5:16-18

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thes. 5:16-18
We talked about this in family group (a group of students with a staff family on Wed. morning to discuss passages, books, ect.) and some people brought really good points, I would love to share with yall. Feel free to comment [respectfully] and throw in your input please. :)
1. "Rejoice always..." We mulled over this a bit and this is a much shorter version of the conclusion we came to: Have joy in all crimcumstance. Joy is having hope, not necessarily being happy. I would even venture to say even when you hate it, hate it with a smile. This also relates to Romans 12:12 "Be joyful in hope, patient in afflicition, and faithful in prayer"
2. "...pray continually..." Take a look at Psalm 119:164 with me; "Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws." Well seven times represents fully doing something/fullness. A. you have decide for your self what praise and prayer are. I believe prayer is a way of communicating with God and praising is a way to do that (through dance, song, ect.). I think it was well said by a teacher here: He was explaining that him and his wife will have talks and kinda put that talk on pause to go there seperate ways/go throughout the day and reconveine later. Same thing I think talk to God in the morning while your getting ready, in the car and when you get to class/work just put that talk on hold until you have time to devote to Him, again. (but make that time with Him a priority).
3. "...give thanks in all circumstances" Again, "Be joyful in hope, patient in afflicition, and faithful in prayer" Romans 12:12. These verses really run together. To give thanks in all circumstances when its good or bad, thank God because your circumstances could be SO much worse. Also, in giving thanks be reminded of the people that are in your "bad" situation everyday. Give thanks, because your still alive to do so. God gave you more time on this earth and all though we (most of us) would rather be with Him in Heaven, He gave us more time to spread His Word, that we have the privledge of beleiving and practicing.
So like I said this is just some stuff we talked about in family group, feel free to leave comments! Thanks guys! :)