Father & Friend

Prayer is not something we do from time to time; it is an ongoing conversation with God that permeates every aspect of our lives. This is a concept that Jesus understood. When Jesus’ popularity was gaining, Luke wrote that “…He Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray,” (Luke 5:16, NASB). The word that stands out in this passage is often. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus as a man of constant prayer. He would often just lift up His eyes to His Father and say a few words. We learn from Jesus that prayer does not have to be formal to be fervent.

Sometimes our prayers can become cold and rehearsed. I don’t think this is what Jesus had in mind when He taught His followers how to pray. When we say a prayer that is always the same, say for instance our prayers at the dinner table, are we praying or just saying words? Prayer is not a ritual. Prayer is not a checklist of items. Prayer is not a pity party. Prayer is time spent with our Father and friend. Prayer is a trip into the throne room of God. Prayer is an eternal conversation.

Jeff