Bible Reading: Luke 9:28
Jesus knew the value and benefits of prayer. Luke 9:28, “About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray,” is only
one example of Jesus taking time away from His busy ministry to pray.
Why did Jesus believe it was important to take time to pray?
Prayer is like a breath of fresh air to the soul. Prayer refreshes and restores. Prayer can make bad days better and good days great. Prayer clears the mind. It offers an opportunity to get closer to God, to understand God better, and to learn God’s plan for our lives. Prayer is how we confess sin that we’ve slipped into. Prayer, along with Bible reading, is how we become strong enough to resist the temptation to get involved in more sinful behavior.
That’s why I pray.
As important as prayer is, sometimes, it can feel as if my prayer life slips into a rut. Here is how I take a “Mini Prayer Retreat” to help get my prayer life back out of that rut and onto the path that God wants it to be on:
First, pick a new and different place to pray –
* In a park
* Under a tree
* In a garden
* In a cave
* By a stream or river
* While walking in the rain
* On your back step
* In a lawn chair or swing in your backyard
Second, before you begin praying about the people and things on your prayer list, take a few minutes to look around and thank God for the things around you which He created and which show Him to you. Be specific. Mention God’s creations and what they tell you about Him. (Remember the things around you in nature are God’s creations – they aren’t God.)
Spending a few minutes admiring God through his creations should give you a fresh perspective on God.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6 & 7
Prayer: Creator God, show yourself to me through your creations. In Jesus’ name. Amen.