What happens when we don´t pray?

If we do not pray, we leave the door open for every sin in our lives. It is no coincidence that our Lord Jesus urges His disciples in Mark 14:38:

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."  

Prayer is the way out of temptation. Through prayer, we can resist the cunning efforts of the devil. Paul was aware of this and includes prayer in the armor of God in Ephesians 6. In verse 18 he writes:

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” 

Could it be that because of a lack of prayer in our lives, we keep falling into the same obvious and hidden sins and cannot break free from addictions? Why not begin to pray against your addiction to nicotine, pornography, or alcohol? Or against jealousy, greed, envy, pride, anger, or any other sin that burdens you? You will experience God's grace and victory over sin. 

Could it also be that due to prayerlessness, we see few or no spiritual victories in other areas of life? I observe among believers: wherever Christians pray, there is overcoming - even if it takes time. It even contributes to the healing of broken marriages. But the willingness must be there. 

There is a saying: "Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees." Without a doubt, our sins stem from our lack of prayer. And without a doubt, the remedy and victory over sin lie in sincere prayer born of wholehearted devotion. He who prays, overcomes.  

If we do not pray, we leave the door open for all sin. Just think of the battle of the Israelites against Amalek in Exodus 17: when Moses raised his hand in prayer on the mountain, Israel had the upper hand; when he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. 

M.K.