Prayer

The life of Christ was a life of prayer.  Though himself God, in his humanity he turned to his Heavenly Father each day for strength and direction.  He could have relied on Himself, but because we could not, he turned to his father.  The example he has left for us is both challenging and inspiring.  "And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed." Mark 1:35.  This is the record given early in his ministry.  After a "day's work" that had begun at sundown, I'm sure it would have felt good to sleep in just a little; but Jesus knew the source of his strength, and wanted to know his Father's plan for the new day.  This was the pattern of his life and ministry.

Jesus instructed us to pray in secret, away from the distractions of life around us.  This would be a safe guard against hypocrisy; and was a lesson that he himself practiced.  For Christ the "closet" was a secluded place in the wilderness, on a hillside, or in a mountain.  "And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray."  Mark 6:46.  "And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed."  Luke 5:16.  Like Christ, we can find purpose and meaning, peace and joy, strength and devotion in our private time with our Heavenly Father.  Prayer is more than just words.  It is our joys, our sorrows, our desires; it is what's on our heart that we take to God.  This kind of prayer can never be unmeaningful, it is deep, and it is powerful.  Jesus said "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."  Matthew 7:7.  God is waiting to answer the earnest, heart-felt prayers of his children.

Prayer covers all of life's experiences; and there is no time or place when we should not pray.  Our communion with God can be constant.  By silently lifting our hearts to Him throughout the day, we can remain in the atmosphere of heaven.  We are told to "Pray without ceasing."  1 Thessalonians 5:17.  And again; "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God."  Philippians 4:6.  Jesus himself presents our prayers to the Father, and he desires to come close to us throughout our day.  With Him we will be blessed with peace and joy.

A simple tradition that Christians have followed down through the centuries is giving thanks to God before a meal.  Did you ever wonder why or when that began?  The Jews had been instructed to thank God when they had eaten and were full.  Deuteronomy 8:10.  But Jesus gave thanks first.  When feeding the multitude we're told; "And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.  And they did all eat and were filled."  Mathew 15:36, 37.  It was just a little thing, the way he gave thanks for the food, but it made a big impression on those that saw it. After His resurrection, on the road to Emmaus, it was when they stopped to eat, and Jesus gave thanks for the food, that the eyes of the disciples were opened and they recognized Jesus.  Could such a little thing mean so much today?

We are in greater need of prayer now than we have ever been before.  When we look at the world around us we see perplexities and distress.  When we look to God, our Creator, we know there is hope; and a way through every difficulty.  It is time to look up; our Redeemer lives!  Jesus said "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.  Prayer is a very great privilege; one that was honored by Christ, and is still available to us today.  "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."  Jude 20, 21.