John Mulligan’s lesson on Sunday was on “When to Pray -- Two Times You Need to Pray.” It should be no surprise that the first time to pray is during bad times. When we’re faced with despair, going to prayer might not always be our first step, but it should be: In times of pain -- when we’ve suffered a loss, such as a death, that situation may call for a lifetime of prayer. In times of uncertainty -- when we don’t know what’s going to happen, we need to stop wringing our hands in despair and pray. In times of temptation -- when Satan knows that we’re at our weakest point, we need to call on God for strength. In times of intense emotion -- when we’re overcome with bitterness or anger, we must step back before we react badly and pray for a peaceful heart. The second time to pray is in good times! Just like during the bad times, when we’re enjoying good times, the thought to pray about it might not be our first choice, but it should be: In times of prosperity: Give thanks and pray for guidance on how to use what we have. In times of happiness: There might be times when we’re so calm and content, we simply forget about prayer. Even then, we need to pray. In times of problem stability: When a previous problem has sorted itself out and we’re no longer worried about it, we need to give prayers of thanks. In times of spiritual stability: When we’re calm and handling situations well, that’s a spiritual success to be grateful for. Ultimately, the only answer about when to pray is ALWAYS. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but *in every situation*, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” As we read in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, *pray continually*, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Let us remember to go to our Savior in prayer, always, in every circumstance that comes our way.
