“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication…” – Ephesians 6:18
Daily prayer is as essential to growth in grace, and even to spiritual life itself, as is temporal food to physical well-being. We should accustom ourselves to often lift the thoughts to God in prayer. If the mind wanders, we must bring it back; by persevering effort, habit will finally make it easy… (1)
Although Christ had given the promise to His disciples that they should receive the Holy Spirit, this did not remove the necessity of prayer. They prayed all the more earnestly; they continued in prayer with one accord. Those who are now engaged in the solemn work of preparing a people for the coming of the Lord, should also continue in prayer. (2)
They [Jesus’ disciples] had not heeded the repeated warning, “Watch and pray.” At first they had been much troubled to see their Master, usually so calm and dignified, wrestling with a sorrow that was beyond comprehension. They had prayed as they heard the strong cries of the sufferer. They did not intend to forsake their Lord, but they seemed paralyzed by a stupor which they might have shaken off if they had continued pleading with God. They did not realize the necessity of watchfulness and earnest prayer in order to withstand temptation. (3)
The experience of the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane contains a lesson for the Lord’s people today…. They did not realize the necessity of watchfulness and earnest prayer in order to withstand temptation. Many today are fast asleep, as were the disciples. They are not watching and praying lest they enter into temptation. Let us often read and give careful study to those portions of God’s Word that have special reference to these last days, pointing out the dangers that will threaten God’s people. (4)
Prayer is a necessity; for it is the life of the soul. (5) Several times each day precious, golden moments should be consecrated to prayer and the study of the Scriptures, if it is only to commit a text to memory, that spiritual life may exist in the soul. The varied interests of the cause furnish us with food for reflection and inspiration for our prayers. Communion with God is highly essential for spiritual health, and here only may be obtained that wisdom and correct judgment so necessary in the performance of every duty. (6)
Charge for the Day: Dedicate precious moments throughout the day to prayer and Scripture study, even if it’s to memorize a verse. Communing with God is crucial for spiritual well-being, providing the wisdom and judgment needed for every duty in life.
1. Messages to Young People, p. 115
2. Gospel Workers, p. 371
3. The Desire of Ages, p. 688
4. In Heavenly Places, p. 97
5. Education, p. 258
6. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 459