“Beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14:30)

It’s a good thing God saves us when we step out in faith, but it’s better to “count the cost” before we do so. Prayer is not supposed to be a substitute for faith, but rather the consistent instrument of faith. Saints who pray only when they begin to sink under the water are better than saints that don’t pray at all, but it’s better to know what the will of God is, than to test Him. 

 Christ is our refuge at all times, not just in the storms of life. Praying without ceasing is a moment-by-moment experience that makes you “ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). A hundred short prayers a day will make desperate prayers less necessary, and Praying about everything makes you consciously aware of whether or not you’re walking in faith or presumption. Moment-by-moment prayers keep you sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit; constantly aware of what you can do now with His help, and as a result, prevent little problems from becoming big problems. 

 Are your prayers “woe is me” rants or honest, “what does God want me to do?” inquiries? Are your prayers desperate appeals for deliverance or the way you keep close-accounts with God? The more your prayers and faith seek God’s will for the now, the more likely your prayer will be answered, and advance God’s Kingdom on Earth. If, you want to be useful to God, get serious about, “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:18).