Start the Year Right… Pray Always

Luke 18:1

St. John’s United Church of Christ
Pastor Juvenal Cervantes
January 11, 2026

“Men ought always to pray and not to faint.” — Luke 18:1

I love the Scripture, “I have been young, and now am old, yet have I not see the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging for bread” Psalm 37:25. I’m 62 years old and God has always provided, and at times nurtured me through special saints. I was a student pastor for eight years and there was always an individual or a family that cared for me. I’m thinking of Ms. Maria Rodriguez, an 85-year-old woman who lived by herself and every week she called to invited me to eat breakfast with her. We shared bible truths, talked about her family and what was important to them. The same happened in Fort Worth, Texas when I began my seminary studies.

Then God called me to Alice, Texas. I met a woman named Minnie Martinez. She was a longtime member of the church that called me to serve as associate pastor. Minnie was in her 70’s and she went through a divorce and her church ostracized her, condemned her and disowned her. She still kept attending the church. I told her that her past mistakes do not define her and that in Christ we have forgiveness and abundant life. She found hope in God’s word. She asked if she could be my adopted mother, and I agreed. Our friendship remained throughout the years. I performed her wedding to a gentleman from South Texas and when she passed, her son asked me to officiate her memorial service.

Minnie lived with great pain in her life. Her son, Micky was estranged from her. She had not seen him in over 25 years. Daily she hoped Micky would call her, reach out to her and let her know he was okay. This never happened.

As I thought about prayer, I wondered, how much our Heavenly Father yearns to hear our voice through prayer. I want to challenge you to make this an outstanding year by practicing prayer. Why should we pray?

Prayer is not a religious routine; it is a lifeline. Jesus did not say we should pray sometimes, or when we feel like it, but always. In a world filled with pressure, temptation, uncertainty, and spiritual battles, prayer is not optional—it is essential. When prayer stops, strength fades; when prayer continues, faith stands firm.

1. We Pray Always Because God Commands It

Scripture repeatedly calls believers to constant prayer:

o   “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

o   “Continue steadfastly in prayer.” (Colossians 4:2)

Prayer is not a suggestion; it is obedience.

God knows our dependence, even when we forget it.

A praying life is a submitted life.

2. We Pray Always Because We Are Always Dependent

Every breath, every decision, every victory depends on God.

Jesus said, “Without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Prayer acknowledges that we are not self-sufficient.

Just as a phone must stay connected to power, believers must stay connected to God through prayer.

3. We Pray Always to Avoid Spiritual Fainting

Luke 18:1 says prayer keeps us from fainting—giving up, losing heart, or drifting away.

When prayer weakens:

o   Faith weakens

o   Discernment weakens

o   Resistance to sin weakens

Prayer is spiritual oxygen. Without it, the soul suffocates.

4. We Pray Always Because the Enemy Never Rests

“Be alert. Your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion.” (1 Peter 5:8)

Temptation, deception, and attacks can come at any moment.

Jesus warned His disciples: “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” (Matthew 26:41)

A prayerless believer is an unguarded believer.

5. We Pray Always Because Prayer Aligns Us With God’s Will

Prayer does not change God—it changes us.

Through prayer:

o   Our desires align with His purpose

o   Our hearts become sensitive to His voice

o   Our steps are directed by His wisdom

Prayer keeps us in spiritual alignment.

6. We Pray Always Because Jesus Prayed Always

Jesus prayed:

o   Early in the morning

o   Before major decisions

o   In times of sorrow

o   Even on the cross

If the Son of God needed constant prayer, how much more do we?

Conclusion

Prayer is not about length or eloquence—it is about constancy.
To pray always means:

Living in continual fellowship with God

Turning every situation into a conversation with Him

Refusing to face life without divine help

When we pray always, we walk always in strength, clarity, and hope.

Closing Call

Let us commit today to be believers who:

Pray in the morning

Pray throughout the day

Pray in trials

Pray in victory

Because those who pray always will stand strong always.

I want to challenge you to pray five times a day. In the morning, when you wake up and put your feet on the floor, say: God thank you that I can stand on solid ground. I am grateful for another day with you. Then during breakfast, thank God for his provision. At lunchtime, appreciate God for keeping you strong and healthy. At supper time, express gratitude for all the good things in your life. At nighttime, when you put your head on the pillow, tell God that he helped you with all the activities, chores, and work of the day and thank him for watching over you while you sleep and replenish.

During the day you can use the ACTS guide as you pray: A- Adoration, brag on God, mention his attributes such as His omnipotence, His omnipresence, all knowing God, etc. C – Confession. Tell God that your sins caused the death of Christ and thank him for his love and his forgiveness. T- Thanksgiving. Think of six to eight things that you are grateful for. Finally, S- Supplication. Bring your burdens to the Lord and leave them there.