Why Pray Always?

In the scriptures, especially in the Doctrine & Covenants, the term "pray always" is used repeatedly. In this post I will explore the different ways that he exhortation to "pray always" is used in throughout these scriptures.

Why should we pray always?

To Overcome Temptation of the Adversary

• Ye must watch and pray always, lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye be led away captive by him (3 Nephi 18:15).
• Ye must watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. Therefore ye must always pray unto the Father (3 Nephi 18:18-19).
• Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work (D&C 10:5).
• Let the church take heed and pray always, lest they fall into temptation (D&C 20:33).
• Pray always, lest you enter into temptation and lose your reward (D&C 31:12).
• Pray always that you enter not into temptation, that you may abide the day of his coming, whether in life or in death (D&C 61:39).
• Pray always lest that wicked one have power in you, and remove you out of your place (D&C 93:49).

It seems clear that praying always helps us to fight off temptation. And when we fall into temptation, we become subject to the devil who gains power over us.

To Obtain the Spirit, Knowledge, and Many Blessings

• Ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul (2 Nephi 32:9).
• Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing (D&C 19:38).
• They shall pray always that I may unfold the same [the gospel] to their understanding (D&C 32:4).

In addition to helping us withstand temptation, praying always has many other benefits including better performance in every aspect of our lives, better understanding of the gospel (and presumably other subjects), and the constant companionship of the Spirit which is a blessing that leads to many other blessings.

To Be Prepared for the Second Coming

• Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man (Luke 21:36).
• Pray always that you enter not into temptation, that you may abide the day of his coming, whether in life or in death (D&C 61:39).
• Pray always, that ye may not faint, until I come. Behold, and lo, I will come quickly, and receive you unto myself (D&C 88:126).

Finally, praying always is necessary for us to be watchful and prepared for the Second Coming. We'll be able to overcome the challenges that would distract us, avoid temptation, and not lose heart during the tough, last days.