How would our life look different if we prayed more?

Part 2 of a special 4 part consideration of the book of Jude~

The next encouragement Jude gives us for thriving in the last days, “by praying in the Holy Spirit.” I believe he is talking about prayer that is inspired by, directed by, and sustained by the Holy Spirit of god.

Prayer is such a struggle, such a battle ground for many and the only way to overcome all the forces that pull against prayer is through the strength that the Spirit supplies. Even Jesus said to His disciples, the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak when it comes to prayer. Prayer is a key ingredient to perseverance. Christians living on earth in the last days will need to endure many things. That’s why Jesus told His followers a parable in Luke 18 encouraging prayer and prefacing the parable with these words, “that they should always pray and not lose heart.” To lose heart is to become discourage, to give up.

Paul, teaching Timothy on the priority of prayer in the church says in 1 Timothy 2:1, “First of all, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people.” In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul says, “constantly pray.” Once again linking prayer with the Holy Spirit, Paul writes to the Romans in Romans 8:26, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how we should pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with in expressible groanings.”

Talking about prayer is important but praying is an absolute necessity. How would our life look different if we prayed more? How can each of us make prayer a greater part of our lives? Is there someone we should link arms with and begin praying together?