Text: Luke 18:1 NKJV
Further Reading: Daniel 6:10-13
Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.
Luke 18:1 NKJV
MESSAGE
How often should Christians pray? Is there any specific number of times to pray? Are there special hours on the clock to pray? These are a few of the most likely questions people ask in connection to the regularity of prayer.
The answer to these questions is found in our text of the day. Jesus said that it is expedient for us to pray always. He was not giving us a bogus rule of number-based times of prayer. Jesus, Himself was always praying. This does not mean that we have to maintain a specific prayer posture and be in one place always.
“Always” includes praying over the meal, praying when stepping out, praying when starting off at work, praying before sleeping, praying while taking a walk, and praying everywhere as the opportunity presents itself.
Some have limited prayer to the place of worship, a once-in-a-week ritual, and rarely engage this great power. Some have limited prayer to the time when they have needs. Some Christians only pray when they get into trouble. Rather than pray proactively, they pray reactively.
Prayer is more than receiving from God, it is the best way to get intimate with Him. When we read God’s word, we must pray to understand and apply it to our daily lives. If you want to know God intimately, then you must spend quality time in prayer always.
Some great minds like Daniel who mastered prayer prayed three times a day. Nehemiah was a man who had the attitude of praying always and on every occasion. The king said to me, “What do you request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven.
Nehemiah 2:4 NKJV
David was another special man of prayer, other than his regular prayer, he praise God seven times a day.
Seven times a day I praise You, Because of Your righteous judgments.
Psalms 119:164 NKJV
While we may not be able to put a hand on when or the number of times, God expects the new testament saints to maintain the attitude of prayer at all times. Whether in the prison, like Paul and Silas, or on a deadly voyage, God expects us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Christians must also set quality time to get alone with God. It is in this place that deep mysteries and revelations are shared. Jesus had two of those special times when He gets alone with the Father. It’s either the Lord spends all night in prayer or very early in the morning, He departs to a quiet place alone to pray. No wonder signs and great wonders followed Him about in His ministry.
As long as you desire God’s power in your life, you must pray always.
REFLECTION
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:18 NKJV
You must learn to pray always, not only in times of trouble. Maintaining a healthy prayer life will enhance your spiritual sight and might.
PRAYER
Father, I receive strength to pray at times and in every situation from today.
