What Happens When We Don't Pray?

What happens when we don’t pray? At least these 5 things:

1) You have not.

James 4:2 … You do not have, because you do not ask.

2) You enter into unnecessary temptation – in a weak condition.

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

3) You are empty of joy where you could be full.

John 16:24 … Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

4) You can do nothing (at least in the sense of bearing real spiritual fruit).

John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

5) You labor and seek your own protection in vain.

Psalm 127:1 Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. ² It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.

Just 5 (of who knows how many) reasons to listen to Jesus when he says we "ought always to pray and not lose heart" (Luke 18:1).