Focus: The Necessity of Prayer

Text: Lk.18:1

"And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint."

Jesus tells His disciples a parable that hinges on prayer. In other words, prayer is the essence or focal point of the parable. In it, the Lord Jesus says, "Men ought always to pray and not faint."

*Men OUGHT to pray.

Prayer is paramount. It is fundamental. It's a necessity. It is proper. It is right. It is critical. It is a must - something that we should do and something that is behoving or binding on us to so do as men. Simply put, prayer is the way to go as far as this world is concerned. You can't afford to brush aside the matter of prayer. And to pray as we ought to, we need the help of the Holy Spirit. Paul says, "We know not what we should pray for as we ought" - Rom.8:26. The Spirit helps us to pray as we ought to.

*Men ought ALWAYS to pray.

The Lord demands that we pray earnestly and habitually. No day should go by without prayer. Another has said that "a day without prayer is a boast against God." We are to pray constantly, continuously, patiently, persistently and perseveringly. In essence, Jesus says, Keep praying; don't stop.

*Men ought always to PRAY. 

Nothing can take the place of prayer. Prayer is talking to God and seeking His attention. By means of prayer we express our utter dependence on God. By means of prayer heaven and earth work together for our good.

We live in a world so bad and dangerous that to avoid prayer is to seriously court disaster. We neglect prayer at our own peril.

Ours is a world of unforeseen circumstances; a world where invisible forces hold sway, and a world where evil is welcome and feels very much at home.

God would not have you pray if He is not willing and ready to hear your prayer. God would not have you pray if He is not able to respond to your request or meet your need.

God is not suggesting prayer; He is ordering it. Prayer is a divine imperative and a vital spiritual activity for the believer.

*FAINT not.

There is danger in giving up on prayer. Prayer is a good exercise for the soul and body, and as another said long time ago, it is "a sacrifice to God, a shield to the soul, and a scourge to Satan."

by Bishop Moses E. Peter