The Necessity of Prayer

. . . yet ye have not, because ye ask not (James 4:2b).

Prayer is essential to the Christian life. We should live by it, so it becomes a lifestyle. Even Jesus prayed long and often. He would get up early in the morning and go off alone to pray. "And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed" (Mark 1:35).

The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth (Psalm 145:18).

Charles Spurgeon tells us, "Asking is the rule of the kingdom." He goes on to explain, "It is the rule that will never be altered in anybody's case. If the royal and divine Son of God cannot be exempted from the rule of asking that He may have, you and I cannot expect to have the rule relaxed in our favor. God will bless Elijah and send rain on Israel, but Elijah must pray for it. If the Jews are to be delivered, Daniel must intercede. God will bless Paul, and the nations shall be converted through him, but Paul must pray" (Charles H. Spurgeon, Twelve Sermons on Prayer).

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us (1 John 5:14-15).

Prayer has so much power; never neglect it. It is our direct communication line to God. Use it often, praying in all circumstances and offering praises to the Holy One who loves us and wants the best for us. Live your life as a prayer, depending upon God.

Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

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