Prayer

 


"In the morning, while it was still very dark, Jesus got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.  And Simon and his companions hunted for him.  When they found him, they said to him, "Everyone is searching for you."  Jesus answered, " Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also, for that is what i came out to do." -- Mark 1:35-38

In Capernaum, people had come out in overwhelming numbers to seek healing and new life from Jesus.  He had tended them late into the evening.   Once everyone was asleep, Jesus slipped away, going off by himself to "a deserted place" to pray.  There he re-centered himself in God's will.  When his disciples arrived, telling him that everyone back in Capernaum was still looking for him, Jesus was clear: his mission is to proclaim God's saving love for everyone.  Thus, they would be moving on to other towns, rather than going back to Capernaum.  

In the gospels, prayer is important to Jesus. What do you imagine Jesus' prayers were like?  What did he say?  How did he listen?  What was the impact of prayer for him?  Don't be afraid to use your imagination. 

Richard Foster says: "To pray is to change.  Prayer is the central avenue God uses to transform us.  If we are unwilling to change, we will abandon prayer as a notable characteristic in our lives.  The closer we come to the heartbeat of God, the more we see our need and the more we desire to be confirmed to Christ."

Here are a couple more meaningful sayings about prayer:

"Prayer is acknowledging that we are always in the presence of God."--Desmond Tutu

"I pray because I can't help myself.  I pray because I'm helpless.  I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping.  It doesn't change God; it changes me." - C.S. Lewis

Let's take time tonight to talk about prayer in our own lives?  Do you pray?  When?  What does it mean to you?

All thoughts and answers are valuable!

 

  

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