Prayer: A Highly Important Part of Christianity

“After dismissing the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray.” (Matt.14:23a HCSB) “After He said goodbye to them, He went away to the mountain to pray.” (Mk. 6:46 HCSB)

The secret of Jesus’ successful ministry was by no doubt, His fellowship with His Father. Though being equal with God, Jesus found it a necessity that He should pray. (John 17, Mark 6:46, Matthew 14:23, Luke 5:16, 6:12, 11:1)This not only shows that prayer is a vital necessity but also reveals to us the secret to a fruitful Christian life.

Did Jesus have any need that He should pray? Yes, and the prime necessity was getting strength from the Father God and strengthening His fellowship. For these two reasons too, we need to pray. If we are not people of prayer, we have no right to call ourselves children of God.

Look at the difference between the Son of God and ourselves! How easily do we skip prayer mostly when all things are fine and well. Jesus Christ teaches us that God desires that we pray to Him. Have you ever wondered about the capacity of prayer? It is the only means by which we can taste the goodness of our Lord.

The above verses indicate that He went to pray on a mountain. We can pray in our homes, office, workplace, school or college, during travels, anytime, anywhere. But we should remember to focus on the higher (heavenly) things when we pray. The things of this world must not enter our minds. Ignoring all earthly thoughts, we must keep our attention on the things above because our answers are going to be according to God’s higher plans!

The main reason why many of us do not follow Christ’s example of a prayer-life is that we do not feel the necessity of God’s help. We think we are able enough. But once we realize the truth, we will find it more and more joy to come before the Lord in prayer. This realization comes when we ask God to reveal to us our limits. After that, praying will automatically happen.

Excellent!