It seems like three impossible commands.

Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 GNT

Can anyone say that they have “always” practiced any one as opposed to all three?

Even in our corporate worship we find it hard to practice them – probably because we have not practiced them individually.

To pray all the time means that I am being challenged to have an attitude of prayer – an awareness of God’s presence – a constant dialogue and close relationship with Him.

In other words, continual prayer is a posture of unceasing dependence on God.

Prayer is my ability to tap into God’s limitless resources. I limit my praying if I do not give my whole self to His grace and mercy.

As a follower of Jesus, I am called to be a person of prayer – to be in regular communication with Him. It becomes my first instinct in every situation. It does not occur to me not to pray.

Prayer is about being thankful.

Prayer is simply a conversation.

Every day tasks can incorporate prayer. When I was younger and in physical training, I used that time to pray. I prayed four hours a day – changed my life.

Watch out for the revenge type prayers.

May his life soon be ended;
    may someone else take his job!
May his children become orphans,
    and his wife a widow! – Psalm 109:8-9 GNT

It is a serious thing when we look at Jesus’ call to love our enemies and pray for those who come against us.

It is good for me to evaluate why and for whom I am praying for. When I find myself praying for those who come against me, I pray they may find the same grace and mercy that I have received from Jesus.

Ward goes on to show also that the Bible is a covenant document. When God enters into a relationship with us human beings, it is not merely personal but also covenantal. It means we are bound to God and he to us by promises to be faithful to one another—and now we have right of access to him. It is analogous to the covenant of marriage. Both the Bible and prayer, then, are covenantal privileges. God speaks to his people (through the Bible) and listens to his people (through prayer), who are bound to him in the covenantal relationship. – Timothy Keller