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"Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight,
He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed."
(Mark 1:35)
"And when He had sent the multitudes away,
He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray.
Now when evening came, He was alone there."
(Matthew 14:23)
I am not sure where I first heard the following quote on prayer, but it has stayed with me for many years: "You can do many things after you pray but nothing of significance until you pray." Prayer is as vital to the Christian life as oxygen is to our lungs. We need it not only to survive but also to thrive. Jesus has given us the example to follow. Throughout His life on earth, it is easy to see the constant communion Jesus had with the Heavenly Father. The Gospel of John especially highlights this intimacy between the Father and the Son. In fact, Jesus said in John 5:19, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner."
If Jesus deemed it necessary to spend time in prayer in the mornings, evenings, and throughout the day, then what does that say to you and me? Many if not most Christians in the USA do not have a daily, consistent time with the Lord in prayer and Bible reading. Seriously, it would surprise you to know how few make it a daily habit to simply have a devotional or quiet time with God through talking to Him (prayer) and meditating on His Word (the Bible). Spending time with Jesus is like gas to our automobiles. How far can your car go without gas? Not very far. Likewise, we cannot do much for God while serving on empty spiritual tanks.
I believe the missing link in the Christian's life today is this very subject we are addressing in today's devotion. At the risk of sounding preachy or overly harsh, the spiritual anemia and lack of spiritual power so common in the Church today is primarily the result of Christians not spending time with Jesus in the morning, evening, and times in between. Do you think there is likewise a correlation between a lack of prayer and Bible reading and a lack of power over temptation? ...or how about the failure of many Christians to share their faith with others?
I have never met a Christian who regretted the time they spent in prayer and Bible study. But there are a host of dear folks who will tell you that they deeply regret not having their daily quiet times. So, how about you? Are you the exception to the rule? Do you spend time with Jesus daily? If so, way to go! If your Bible is worn out, then you probably are not! But if you simply lack the daily discipline to pray and read the Word, then let me encourage you to start afresh today! Try this exercise this week: every day, get up 15 minutes early and simply talk to God and read a chapter in the Book of Proverbs. Today is April 5, so read Proverbs chapter 5. Tomorrow, read Proverbs 6, and so forth.
If you choose to do this, I know God will bless you, and you will soar in your relationship with Him!
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