But he [Jesus] would withdraw to desolate places and pray. - Luke 5:16
Many remember playing the game, “Follow the Leader”. One of the group is chosen to be the leader and the rest do what he or she does. If they jump, we jump. If they run around a tree, the group runs around a tree. If they make a funny face, there is a gallery of funny faces.
We use the language of “following Jesus” in the church. But what do we actually mean by it? Is it an intellectual exercise of believing in a set of ideas known as Christianity? Or does it refer to church attendance? Or perhaps it’s about trying hard to be a good person?
And then we have to ask the question about context. What does it mean to follow Jesus in my particular time and place? What does it look like in a culture of hurry and distraction devices? In a world where, despite all of our advancements and resources, anxiety and worry along with rising mental health issues tend to be the norm? In a community where the Christian worldview is one of many?
Those questions are worthy of much reflection but beyond the scope of a blog post. However, one consistent way throughout history, regardless of context specific issues, that the people of God have followed Jesus is in imitating His practice of prayer. Some of you may already have a prayer rhythm. For others, you’d like more consistency. And perhaps for others, praying beyond saying grace at meals would be new to you. s a reminder, remember it’s less about where you think you should be in your prayer life and more about what you can do right now.
Ken Shigetmatsu, a pastor and writer, offers the following suggestions to develop a practice of prayer:
- Find a quiet place. This can be in your home or another place, like a park. The main goal is to be a place that is as distraction free as possible.
- Identify a quiet time. There is no one ‘holy’ time to pray. For Jesus, it was early in the morning before others were awake. Perhaps he knew that once the day of ministry started and the crowds started showing up, seeking quiet would be impossible. Find what time you can in your day. It may only be five minutes but that is fine.
- Come to quiet. If possible, turn off your phone or put it in another room. Take a few deep breaths. Most of us don’t realize how fast we are actually moving through the world. It may take a moment or two for mind and body to calm down.
- Open your heart to God in prayer. Begin where you are. Perhaps something good happened at work. Give thanks. Or maybe there is a relationship that needs some reconciliation. Pray for the situation and confess ways you may have sinned that led to the strain or break. If you need a place to start and can’t find the words, pick a Psalm and pray through a verse or two. Methods can be helpful but they are not like secret handshakes we have to use so that God will hear us.
Saints, remember you are praying to your Heavenly Father. He delights to hear from you, whatever is on your heart and mind. His heart is already and always inclined towards you. You honor Him when you pray to Him. So, let us follow Jesus in prayer.