Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.
Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray… (Luke 11:1-4)
TEACH US TO PRAY: Jesus went off by Himself to pray quite often. The disciples noticed this and wanted to know more. After all, doesn’t God already know what we need and want? And yet, here was Jesus, making time for prayer.
So…why do we need to pray? We need to pray because…
…prayer helps us to establish and maintain a relationship with God. It is an ongoing dialogue with Him. We wouldn’t think of going several days without talking to our best friend. Why would we not talk to God every day?
…prayer allows us to feel the presence of God in our lives.
…prayer is communal. As we pray, we know that people all over the world are praying as well.
…regular prayer builds good habits. Prayer and our connection to God become a genuine part of who we are.
…prayer offers us a safe place to turn for help or support. We know when we are down, depressed, stressed, worried, or sad we will always have a loving ear to listen to us. When we are happy, excited, or just want to share some good news, we know we will always have someone who will be excited with us. When we have a tough decision to make, we know God will help us sort it out. We know we have someone who will listen to whatever it is we have to say and still love us unconditionally.
…prayer calms us and energizes us at the same time. It gives us inner strength and resolve.
Whatever is holding us back from praying regularly, we need to try to work through it. The pay-off is worth it.
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