All week we have winding down with thoughts of things that we should be doing consistently. Tonight, let us think about praying at all times. I have often pointed out that prayer is a neglected blessing. This is a shame since it is probably, outside of salvation itself, the greatest blessing that we have. Prayer is powerful. It is one of the only things that can change the mind of God.

When Hezekiah became sick to the point of death, he was told by the prophet Amoz that he was going to die. He was devastated by the news and prayed to God for mercy. God heard his prayer and added fifteen years to his life (2 Kings 20:1-6). Anything, like prayer, which can change the mind of God, is something that we should be doing at all times.

Luke 18:1
1 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 (ESV)
17 Pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

What does it mean to pray without ceasing? Obviously, the Bible is not teaching us that life is to be one continuous prayer. No, praying without ceasing simply means that we should pray regularly. Not a day in our lives should go by without prayer. Why should we pray on a regular basis? There are several good things that prayer can accomplish in our lives.

Prayer can help us in times of need.

We have examples of God answering the prayers of His children in times of trouble (Acts 12:5-11; Acts 16:16-26; 2 Corinthians 1:8-11). It is no wonder the Hebrew writer instructs us to come boldly before the throne of grace in order to find help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

Prayer can build character.

Prayer give us the inner strength needed to overcome difficult situations. Faith in God and belief in the power of prayer helps in the development of these characteristics. When we pray in times of trouble, if we truly believe that God is listening to us, we will endure the trouble with patience. This is why Jesus once told His apostles to pray that they do not enter into temptation (Matthew 26:41). Prayer not only gives us the power to overcome temptation right now, but also gives us the strength to defeat it in the future.

Prayer can help us win souls to Christ.

It is hard to imagine trying to win souls to Christ without the help of God. When it comes to soul winning, there are several things for which we ought to be praying. We should pray for specific individuals to be saved (Romans 10:1); that the gospel has free course (2 Thessalonians 3:1); for those who preach the gospel (2 Thessalonians 3:2); for more laborers (Luke 10:2); and, for opportunities to preach the gospel (Colossians 4:3). Clearly, prayer can help us when it comes to winning souls to Christ. Let us all be praying at all times, that is, let us pray on a regular basis. It will help us make it to heaven and help us help others to make it there also.

As you wind down for the night, think on these things.