Luke 18:1: Men ought always to pray.

The answer to the parable in Luke 18 is Luke 18:1, And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.

Praying is like breathing. It should be natural.

Pray without ceasing. Are we going to pray, or are we going to faint?

Luke 18, 8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Prayer--Our Duty

1) The Duty of Praying: Men ought always to pray. [Luke 11:5-8; 21:3-6; Genesis 32:9-12, 24-26; Job 27:8-10; Psalm 55:16-17; 65:2; 86:3; 102:17; 142:5-7; Jeremiah 29:12; Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 4:2, 12; I Thessalonians 5:17.

The word ought [1163] [dei from deo = to bind or tie objects together, put in prison and also root of doulos, bond-servant] refers to what is not optional but needful [binding] out of intrinsic necessity or inevitability. Dei refers to inward constraint which is why it is often translated “must.” Dei describes that which is under the necessity of happening or which must necessarily take place, and as stated above, conveys a sense of inevitability. To express the sense of necessity, dei is translated “one ought,” “one should,” “one has to,” or “one must.”

2) The Dedication in Praying: Men ought always to pray.

Always = all times [always] [3842] [pantote from pas = all, every + tote = when, then] an adverb which literally is “every when” means always, at all times, ever [more], on all occasions.

To pray [4336] proseuchomai from pros = toward, facing, before [emphasizing the direct approach of the one who prays in seeking God’s face] + euchomai = originally to speak out, utter aloud, express a wish, then to pray or to vow. Greek technical term for invoking a deity in the New Testament is always used of prayer addressed to God [to Him as the object of faith and the One who will answer one’s prayer] and means to speak consciously [with or without vocalization] to Him, with a definite aim. This statement says that there must be much dedication in prayer.

Daniel 6, 10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

Praying takes dedication. We should be in a spirit of prayer all the time.

3) The Discontinuing in Prayer: not to faint. [Psalm 27:13; Jonah 2:7; Galatians 6:9; Hebrews 12:3-5].

Lose heart [not to faint = KJV 1573] [egkakeo/enkakeo from ek = out of or an intensifier + kakos = bad, evil] means to grow weary [especially in the spiritual sense], to become tired and it is interesting that it always is used in the New Testament in a negative construction, to not grow weary or lose heart, which in essence is really a “positive” admonition to keep on keeping on, to endure, to persevere despite obstacles, setbacks, and adversaries. Some lexicons add it means to become a coward, to lose courage, or to lose the motivation to accomplish a valid goal or to continue in a desirable pattern of conduct. To become discouraged and give up. To give in to evil.

Romans 8, 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

If prayer is so easy, it would not be so hard.

Sin will keep us from praying.

Praying will keep us from sinning.

Prayer should be the first thing--not the last thing we do.