Prayer.
It is the most powerful means of communication we have while on this earth. A quick google search will turn up any number of quotes on prayer:
- “Prayer changes everything.” (Anonymous)
- “Pray and let God worry.” (Martin Luther)
- “Pray is simply a a two-way conversation between you and God.”
(Billy Graham) - “Prayer is putting oneself into the hands of God.” (Mother Teresa)
- “More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.”
(Alfred Lord Tennyson) - “Pray often, for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan.” (John Bunyan)
- “What wings are to a bird, and sails to a ship, so is prayers to the soul.”
(Corrie ten Boom)
Knowing all this, why do I find prayer to be difficult? Hard work even?
It had been a long day for Jesus and his disciples. They had their last supper together in which Jesus reveals a betrayal was imminent. The mere thought of one of them turning on any of them, never mind on Jesus Himself, was upsetting.
Jesus goes to the Garden of Gethsemane to get alone and pray. Upon returning, He finds the disciples asleep …
“Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour?”
(Mark 14: 37, NLT)
In this time of His deepest distress, Jesus had wanted the disciples to pray with Him. Seeing it was normal for them to pray out loud, it’s interesting to me they fell asleep. I probably would have eavesdropped on this conversation between Jesus and His Abba.
After a long day, it was normal for them all to be spent both emotionally and physically. The hour was late, probably after midnight. But Jesus was expecting more from these men.
The word ‘watch’ indicates “to refrain from sleep; to keep oneself from drowsiness.” (from the New Testament Lexical Aids, The Key Word Study Bible)
Jesus expected the disciples to keep themselves awake. Yet I cannot criticize these disciples, for I have fallen asleep praying as I lay in bed, even the nights when awakened to pray for a pressing need.
I’m learning to pray more often throughout the day – in the early morning, while straightening the house, when I am driving or cooking dinner. I am grateful that prayer is an ongoing conversation with God and perhaps, the operative word is just that, ongoing.
Yet we need to make concentrated efforts to pray. Set aside time to intentionally and deliberately come before God with all which is upon our hearts.
May we not fall asleep.
But do the greater work.
This is Day 14 of 31 Questions Jesus Asked. You can find the entire series here.
Today I am joining … Women With Intention and Three Word Wednesday and Tell His Story and Wedded Wednesday .
I’ve had the same question — when we know it’s so important why is it so hard? — running around in my mind lately. Elisabeth Elliot gave one reason that hits a little closer to home than I’d like: It’s something that we do that no one but God knows about and no one but God will reward us for. It is a completely selfless act — my life, my time, my energy for you and your needs.
Ouch.
That is a sobering reason which Elisabeth Elliot has given us. So true. May we find ourselves doing the harder work this week, Michele!
I’ve been in that place of falling asleep while praying. It used to bother me, like I was doing something wrong. But I do believe there are seasons, and God gave me a beautiful picture for mine. As a parent there is nothing more beautiful than my child falling asleep in my arms. I think God the Father thinks of us the same way. He loves when we are with Him. And when we are able to let go of all that swirls around us and fall asleep in His arms it is a beautiful thing.
Love the image, Becky! Sometimes if I fall asleep, I just resume where I left off when I wake up š
I love all that you’ve said here, Joanne, including that incredible quote by Oswald Chambers. I’ll have to keep that tucked away for future times of meditation. I also love that you are talking about a scene near Christ’s crucifixion that I studied about just the other day. I had similar thoughts as you did about all of it, but loved hearing it from your perspective. Thanks so much and I hope you have an especially blessed week, my friend!
The Oswald Chambers quote truly hit home for me, Beth. May we do the harder work this week!
I love following you, Joanne! What a treat today! I’m with you, friend. Prayer is the greater work, and that’s why it’s hard some days. The enemy will pull out many things to distract me from praying. Great, encouraging, truth-filled post. Keep going in your #write31days. I’m cheering you on!
Julie, thank you for your kind & encouraging words. You are so right in saying the enemy will pull out many things to distract us. I have even found he will distract me from praying about something specific by bringing a different prayer need to mind. I have to wrestle my thoughts to stay focused on the one need at hand. Thanks for pushing me on!
Prayer is the greater work! Wow! This goes along perfectly with Armor of God that I am studying with my small group. Thank you for your words!
I’m so glad it fit in with your study, Mary. Sometimes we minimize the work of prayer & the power of prayer. Prayer truly is no small thing. May we do the hard work this week!
God’s really been teaching me about prayer. We’re doing a study on prayer in our small group and lessons keep creeping into my life, of course, because God knows I need repetition. š So glad you linked up at #ThreewordWednesday.
Repetition can be a beautiful thing, Kristin š It’s how I often finally remember, lol. Blessings friend!
Joanne,
Thank you for this awakening to be more deliberate in our prayer, our conversation with God.
Love,
Summer
It’s you š I wondered who it was & you were the only one I could think of. Friend, you so make me smile. I truly am so grateful our God brought you into my life. I, too, am being awakened to the truth we must be more intentional in our prayers. There is much power, God’s, to be unleashed in our lives and situations as we do so. Thank you for being you & for blessing me.
Much love,
Joanne