Running the Race—Part 4: Praying

You’ve all heard the phrase, “a fish out of water,” and I think that gives us a good illustration for today’s concept about running the race of life. Just as a fish out of water can’t get the oxygen it needs, we cannot get the oxygen we need if we don’t breathe. Just holding your breath for 15 seconds, you begin to feel uncomfortable. After 30 seconds, you will really need a breath (assuming you haven’t passed out yet). And, if you’ve ever felt like you can’t catch your breath, you know what a fish out of water feels like.

But, what does this have to do with the race of life? Everything. Just as we need to breathe to keep functioning, the believer needs to pray to keep functioning in the Christian race. Just as a fish out of water will soon die, the Christian without prayer will soon find that a piece of him or her has died. There is, however, great potential for revival if we will turn and pray. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 reminds us that prayer is to be constant, like drawing a spiritual breath:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Did you catch the terms: always, without ceasing, in all circumstances? Paul says that “this is the will of God.” So, then, if we fail to rejoice, PRAY, and/or give thanks, perhaps we are functioning like a fish out of water … maybe not spiritually dead yet, but struggling to stay alive. Just as our bodies need a breath of oxygen, our souls need a breath of prayer.

So, as you run the race of life, pray frequently. It should be as natural as breathing. Likewise, if we go without praying, we miss out on that life giving refreshment that comes from frequent communication with God.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker