Prayer Is How Faith Is Preserved
From the series: Will He Find Faith? — Prayer in the Last Days
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version®.
Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Throughout this series, Scripture has shown us why believers suffer, how love is tested, and where hope must remain fixed. Yet none of these truths can be sustained apart from prayer. Prayer is not an optional discipline added to faith; it is the means by which faith endures.
Jesus made this clear when He asked a sobering question:
“Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
— Luke 18:8 (NKJV)
This question follows a parable about persistent prayer. Jesus connects enduring faith directly to a life ordered by prayer.
Without prayer, faith weakens under pressure.
With prayer, faith is sustained—even when circumstances remain unresolved.
Prayer Shapes the Heart Before It Changes Circumstances
Prayer does not begin by altering the world around us. It begins by aligning the heart with God. This is why Scripture consistently ties prayer to watchfulness, perseverance, and peace.
Paul instructs believers:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
— Philippians 4:6 (NKJV)
Prayer redirects anxiety into trust.
It keeps weariness from becoming bitterness and disappointment from hardening the heart.
Scripture Reveals Patterns of Prayer, Not Occasional Acts
The Bible presents prayer as a way of life, not a reaction to crisis.
Jesus Himself modeled this:
- He prayed early in the morning (Mark 1:35)
- He prayed before major decisions (Luke 6:12)
- He prayed in sorrow and distress (Matthew 26:36–44)
- He prayed in dependence on the Father (John 17)
The early Church followed this pattern:
“They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
— Acts 2:42 (NKJV)
Steadfast prayer formed steadfast believers.
A Simple Rhythm for Endurance
What follows is not a rigid schedule, but a biblical rhythm—a pattern that helps believers remain grounded, watchful, and faithful.
Morning — Consecration
Begin the day by submitting it to God.
“Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God.”
— Psalm 143:10 (NKJV)
Purpose:
- to orient the heart toward obedience
- to acknowledge dependence
- to remember why we are here
Throughout the Day — Watchfulness and Intercession
Prayer continues as attentiveness to God throughout daily life.
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance.”
— Ephesians 6:18 (NKJV)
Purpose:
- to guard the heart
- to pray for others
- to prevent drift and discouragement
Evening — Thanksgiving and Trust
End the day by remembering God’s faithfulness.
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)
Purpose:
- to resist bitterness
- to rest in God’s sovereignty
- to entrust unresolved matters to Him
Prayer Sustains Love When Lawlessness Increases
Jesus warned that lawlessness would cause love to grow cold. Prayer is one of God’s appointed means for keeping love alive.
“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.”
— Matthew 26:41 (NKJV)
The temptation is not always overt sin. Often it is fatigue, withdrawal, or quiet discouragement. Prayer keeps the believer engaged, compassionate, and faithful.
Prayer Anchors Hope Until Christ Returns
Prayer keeps the believer oriented toward the future God has promised.
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
— Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)
This peace does not come from understanding every outcome, but from abiding trust in God’s character.
Faith That Endures Is Faith That Prays
Paul’s final exhortation to the Church is simple and enduring:
“Pray without ceasing.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV)
This is not a call to constant speech, but to continual dependence.
Prayer is how believers:
- remain faithful
- guard their hearts
- endure suffering
- love without compromise
- wait for Christ with hope
Final Closing Prayer
Faithful God, teach us to pray and not lose heart. Order our lives by dependence on You. Keep our faith alive, our love warm, and our hope anchored in Christ. Strengthen us to endure with humility and trust until the day our Lord returns. May You find us watching, praying, and faithful.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A Final Word to the Reader
The Christian life is not sustained by strength, insight, or certainty—but by abiding in Christ through prayer. As the days grow more difficult, may faith not fade, love not grow cold, and hope not be shaken.
“Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”
— Revelation 14:12 (NKJV)
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