Animals - and people - die unless they get oxygen.  For humans brain cells begin to die after 4 minutes of oxygen deprivation.  For most mammals breathing is an automatic function.  Cetaceans, however, have a very unique design.  Breathing for them is entirely voluntary.  It would never work for them to have automatic breathing with their life in a world of water.  There are many species, from the playful dolphin to the massive Blue whale.  When people in boats see a silver spout shooting up from the waves, they know it is a whale.  Even the shape of the spout is used to identify the type of whale.

     The whale will sink to the bottom and die until it voluntarily spouts, and intakes a fresh breath of air.  Without its breaths it becomes shark meat or a foul rotting carcass on the beach.  I have watched many videos of the dead carcasses of whales on the beach.  It is a very unpleasant sight.  One of these carcasses even exploded from the rotten gasses inside of it!

     Why do I talk about an animal that has to voluntarily breathe?  The Christian has a very necessary and voluntary activity that he has that is necessary for his spiritual life.  Prayer.  Without it the soul festers within and becomes easy prey to various sins.   Prayer is important to spiritual vitality and growth.   Even in scripture Christians are commanded to pray.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray without ceasing.

Philippians 4:6 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Without prayer we become spiritually rotten and festering.