It is the first day of Holy Week. As I reflect on this it brings to my heart the importance of staying in close to my Father's heart. The disciples in Luke 11:1 asked Jesus to teach them to pray. They had watched Jesus' life and the many moments he went aside to quiet himself and pray to His Father in heaven. I cannot help but think that if prayer was so vital to Jesus--should it not also be vital to me? Jesus gave instruction on prayer during the Sermon on the Mount.
"When you pray, don't babble on and on as people of other religions do. They this their prayers are answered only by repeating their words again and again. Don't be like them, because you Father know exactly what you need even before you ask him! Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored. May your kingdom come soon. May your will be done here on earth just as it is in heaven. Give us our food for today, and forgive our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us. And don't let us yield to temptation, but deliver us from evil." Matthew 6:7-13 (New Living Translation)
Friends, as we begin this sacred time of Holy Week, let us begin with increasing our prayer lives, seeking the face of the Lord and leaning into His love, help, and grace during this time. Pray knowing that your Lord knows what you have need of--only ask! Let us us trust Him with our hearts, with our concerns, with our burdens, and with our joys!
Praying with you and for you!