What Would Jesus Do? Pray

     Jesus was in constant contact with His Father in heaven. Prayer was woven into His days and nights. He was followed by crowds of followers as He walked through His days. Just as we do, He would grow tired and weary. Just as we do, He faced fear and temptation. Just as we do, He felt hunger and thirst.

     And He prayed.

Yet the news about Him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:15-16

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went to a solitary place where He prayed. Mark 1:35

     When we are busy and overwhelmed, we can move to a quiet place and spend time with our heavenly Father. When the house is quiet, we can get up and find peace as we connect with Jesus.

     Jesus prayed with thanksgiving and praise. And He taught us to remember Him as we eat the bread and drink the cup.

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take it. This is My body.” Then He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them and they all drank from it. “This is My blood of the covenant which is poured out for many,” He said to them. Mark 14:22-24

     Getting close to Jesus includes praying and listening, includes remembering and honoring the sacrifice He made for us on the cross.

     And Jesus prays for us!

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. John 17:20-21

     Jesus greatest prayer for us is that we will be one with Him and His Father and why? So that others may believe!!  What an honor. Prayer is available to us all day, all night, as we pray for others, as we look for a quiet place, as we give thanks, and as we look for His will in our lives. Even in anguish before the cross, Jesus was obedient.

Going a little farther, He fell on His face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, remove this cup from Me, yet not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39

Lord,

Give us every opportunity to stay in close contact with You throughout our days, to thank You, to listen to You, to praise You, to remain in Your will. Thank You for teaching us to pray.

In Jesus name,

Amen