Prioritizing Prayer in a Busy Life
The Example of Martin Luther and Jesus
Martin Luther, a key figure in the Protestant Reformation, was a man of many responsibilities. Despite his packed schedule, he made time for prayer, believing that it was essential to his daily life. In fact, he once said, “I have so much to do today that I should spend the first three hours in prayer.” This sentiment is echoed in the life of Jesus, who, as the Savior of the world, had a multitude of demands on His time. Yet, He regularly withdrew to pray, often rising early in the morning to spend time with God.
A Call to Prioritize Prayer
The question we must ask ourselves is: if Martin Luther and Jesus made time for prayer, how can we claim to be too busy? Jesus’ teaching on prayer in the Sermon on the Mount assumes that we will pray, saying “when you pray,” not “if you pray” (Matthew 6:5). Prayer is not an optional activity for followers of Jesus; it is a necessary part of our daily lives.
Overcoming Barriers to Prayer
Prayer doesn’t come naturally to everyone, and it can be challenging to know where to start. However, Jesus encourages us to speak honestly to God, sharing our praises, frustrations, triumphs, fears, and deepest longings. Remember, God already knows us better than we know ourselves, so there’s no need to hide or pretend. Prayer doesn’t have to be long or complicated; it can be as simple as speaking from the heart.
Using the Lord’s Prayer as a Guide
The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13 or Luke 11:2-6) provides a helpful framework for our prayers. While it’s not a formula to be recited rigidly, it can guide us in our communication with God. Try to pray spontaneously, from the heart, rather than simply repeating words.
No Excuses
Let’s be honest with ourselves: we often use busyness as an excuse to neglect prayer. But if Martin Luther and Jesus made time for prayer, we can too. So, take a moment to ask yourself: have you prayed yet today? If not, could you spend some time with God now?
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