As we navigate our daily Christian walk, many of us struggle to balance the demands of our busy lives with maintaining a consistent prayer life. It is often a source of guilt and frustration for many of us.
During the course of my Bible study a few days ago, I came across the scripture below, and I heard this loud in my spirit: “Jesus Prayed!”
Immediately, He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. After dismissing the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone. … Around three in the morning, He came toward them walking on the sea. Matthew 14:22 -25 (HCSB)
We see in this scripture that, despite leading a very busy life, Jesus made it a priority to carve out time with God.
If Jesus, the son of God, felt it was a priority to pray, then it must be central to human life. He didn’t just teach it, He practiced it. We have no excuse! Note that prayer is not a monologue. Prayer involves us talking to God and God responding to us. Jesus said,
But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” Matthew 4:4
As food is needed for survival, even more, the word of God is needed to access the life God designed for us to live. Where do we find that word that proceeds from the mouth of God? In the secret place of prayer!
In summary, a life of prayer – consistent two-way communication with God – is a non-negotiable part of a Christian’s life. We must strive and fight for it no matter what it takes. There will be an element of sacrifice in maintaining intimacy and fellowship with God.
Looking at the example of Jesus in the scripture above, Jesus led a busy life of ministry, and so He carved out time in the “evening” until “about three in the morning.” That is at least 4 hours in the middle of the night. He denied himself sleep to maintain that fellowship with God.
Take stock of your life. What are the sacrifices you can make today to maintain your connection with God daily?
As you lean upon the grace of God, may you enter into deeper and richer fellowship with God. God bless you.
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