Lifestyle of Jesus (Part 2)

So, again I apologize for not posting this summary on Friday. Apparently with moving into a new house I've been busy lately or something... :)

Here it is...the much anticipated 2nd part of the Lifestyle of Jesus series. Last week we looked at Jesus being forgiving. This week we looked at Jesus being prayerful.

If you read through the gospels you'll find many places were Jesus prayed. What stands out to me is the many different reasons he prayed:
-When he is sad (Matthew 14:23)
-Early in the morning (Mark 1:35)
-When he was busy (Luke 5:16)
-When he has to make a major decision (Luke 6:12)
-With other people (Luke 9:18)
-When tough times are coming for someone else (John 17)

Basically, Jesus didn't simply pray quick prayers for the food he was about to eat. He didn't wait until the last minute after everything else had failed. Jesus prayed often and about everything. This is how he was able to know so clearly what God's plan for his life was. He got away, got focused, and got listening. Some of those prayers were very intense times (see: blood dripping from Jesus in the garden before he's arrested).

My desire for prayer in my life (and yours) is that prayer will be real and relevant. I want it to be a time when I can block out everything and focus completely upon God. I don't want the only time I speak to God be when I'm thanking him for fishsticks. I want to listen to him guide me through tough life decisions. I want to feel him prodding me to speak to someone I don't know about his love. I want him to give me the words to say to comfort someone in a time of need. All that can happen...when prayer takes a central role in my life.