Topic: Praying Always
Text: I Thessalonians 5:16-24

The call to prayer is prominent on the pages of the Scriptures. The word ‘pray’ of ‘prayed’ occurs 358 times in the Bible. Let us look at the etymology and the important of the word “pray”. The Bible makes it clear to us that we should pray without ceasing. I was trying to write down the times we should pray but was unable to exhaust the list. I can however list two times when you should pray. (1) In the time of weakness. Definitely, you need to pray in the time of weakness because this is the only way you can get strength. The Bible says, in Isaiah 40:31, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” In the original version, the word “renew” was “exchange”. When you go to the Almighty God with your weakness. He would take away your weakness and give you in exchange, His strength. On more than one occasion, I was compelled to ask for physical strength because I was exhausted. (2) When you are strong. People do not think that they should pray when they are strong. I Sam.2:9 says, “He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.” If you rely on your strength, you will fail. If you do not believe this, all you need to do is ask Goliath. He was so strong that he challenged the whole army of Israel, yet he failed. You cannot win by your strength. It is indeed surprising that the life of man is characterized by seasons of weakness and strength. This compels us to pray ceaselessly. Are you extremely strong? Pray. Are you so weak that you cannot even make your lips to utter a prayer? Pray. Pray when you feel all is well and pray when the atmosphere appears cloudy. Make prayer as regular as your very breath.

Memory Verse: Jeremiah 33:3 - “Call unto me, and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not.