sugar-coated call for putting on a happy face in the midst of difficulties. Here is a church that is undergoing severe hardship because of its faith in Christ. God’s will for such a community, both as individuals and as they gather for worship, is that as a matter of first importance they continue to exalt Christ by rejoicing, with him as the focus. 17–18a In this context they should also “continually pray,”36 constantly offering their petitions to God. Continual prayer is the ongoing reminder that