Praying Continually

“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed,” (Mark 1:35, ESV).

The discipline of prayer is not something which is to be reserved solely for the Lenten season. In the ministry of our Lord, we see how frequently Jesus prays—both individually and with others. The prayers are often prayers of thanksgiving over the gifts of God. However, there are also petitions He raises to His Father in heaven. From the cross, the words that Jesus speaks are primarily prayers to the Father. From going off early in the morning to pray, to the late night spent in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus is the model of One who prays without ceasing.

The discipline of prayer is intended for the ordering of the thoughts of Christians and the deep reliance upon our heavenly Father for all things. We pray for God’s forgiveness and healing, and we also offer prayers on behalf of others.

Our prayers to our heavenly Father are like an ongoing text with a friend. While there are times where the prayers are formal, it is also ongoing, a continuous prayer. As we meditate on God’s Word and reflect upon our need for our Savior, we are also led back to the discipline of a life of prayer. May God guide you as you pray the Scriptures (especially  the Psalms), as you pray the rich collects and prayers included in the hymnal, but also as you pray ex corde (from the heart) with the particular petitions and thanksgivings that are such a part of our daily lives.

Prayer – Almighty God, You have promised to hear the petitions of those who ask in Your Son’s name. Mercifully incline Your ears to us who have now made our prayers and supplication to You, and grant that those things that we have faithfully asked according to Your will we may receive to meet our need and bring glory to You; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.