we must pray always
Jesus "told them a parable on the necessity of praying always." —Luke 18:1
Most people believe in praying, but how many believe in praying always? Even those who believe that praying always is a good idea don't always believe it's a necessity, but Jesus does.
Does your life say you believe in "the necessity of praying always"? Do you pray the first thing in the morning? Do you try to center your day on the Mass? Do you pray the Angelus? Do you pray not only for people, but with them? Do you pray daily with your spouse, family, and co-workers? Do you pray on the phone, before you go to bed, etc? With these many times of formal prayer, you will be in touch with Jesus all day even when you're busy with the day's activities and can't give Him undivided attention. Thus you will be praying always.
Praying always is a necessity, for some battles are won not only by prayer, but by praying always. For instance, Moses had to keep praying, or Joshua would not have defeated the Amalekites (Ex 17:11ff). Prayer is good, but may not be good enough. There is "the necessity of praying always."
Prayer: Father, may I not lose heart (Lk 18:1), but have the faith (see Lk 18:8) to consider it a privilege to pray always. Holy Spirit, help me to pray always (see Rm 8:26).
Promise: "All Scripture is inspired of God and is useful for teaching — for reproof, correction, and training in holiness so that the man of God may be fully competent and equipped for every good work."—2 Tm 3:16-17
Praise: Alleluia! Jesus is risen as He said! Alleluia!
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 22, 2013
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