Preacher: Pastor Asher
Good morning, Church! Today, I want to speak on a subject that is central to our walk with God but often misunderstood or undervalued:
prayer. The title of my message today is “Always Say a Prayer.”
Prayer is more than just something we do when we are in need; it’s the heartbeat of our relationship with God. It’s a conversation with the Creator, a lifeline that keeps us connected to Him, no matter what we are going through. Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, gives us a simple but profound command: “Pray without ceasing.”
Prayer is not just about presenting our requests to God; it’s about communion with Him. In prayer, we are aligning ourselves with God’s will, seeking His guidance, and growing in faith. The Bible shows us that prayer changes things—not only our circumstances but also our hearts.
Jesus Himself modeled a life of constant prayer. In Mark 1:35, we see Him rising early to pray, and throughout His ministry, He took time to seek His Father. If Jesus, the Son of God, needed prayer to navigate His earthly mission, how much more do we need in our lives?
The Bible encourages us to persist in prayer, even when we don’t see immediate answers. In Luke 18:1, Jesus tells a parable to teach His disciples that they “should always pray and not give up.” This is the story of the persistent widow, who kept going to the judge until her request was granted. Jesus ends the parable by asking, “Will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night?” (Luke 18:7).
There is power in persistent prayer. Sometimes, God doesn’t answer our prayers immediately because He is working on something within us—building our faith, refining our character, or preparing the right timing. The key is to never give up in prayer.
So, how often should we pray? The answer is simple: always. Prayer isn’t limited to a particular time or place. Yes, we should have dedicated times of prayer, but we are also called to pray throughout our day—while driving, working, or even in moments of silence.
Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” The Bible invites us to bring everything before God in prayer. There is no problem too small or too big for Him.
Let me remind you today of three types of prayer we can incorporate into our daily lives:
Some of the most powerful prayers are the simplest ones. It doesn’t have to be long or elaborate. The prayer of a childlike heart, full of faith, moves mountains. When Peter began sinking in the water, he simply cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:30). Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught him. Sometimes, “Help me, Lord” is all it takes.
Church, I want to remind you today: God is always listening. He is a loving Father who delights in hearing from His children. When you pray, know that He is attentive, compassionate, and ready to respond in His perfect time.
Sometimes we feel like our prayers are bouncing off the ceiling, especially when we’re going through tough times. But let me encourage you—God hears every word. Psalm 34:17 says, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.”
As we close, remember that prayer is not just a task or ritual, but an ongoing conversation with God. Make it a habit to always say a prayer—in good times and bad, in moments of joy and moments of struggle. No matter where you are or what you’re facing, God is near, and He longs to hear your voice.
Today, I challenge you to take a step deeper into your prayer life. Let prayer become the first thing you turn to in any situation, not as a last resort, but as your first line of defense.
Let us be a church that never stops praying, that never stops seeking God, and that continually rests in His presence. Amen.
