A whole night in prayer??
In today’s Gospel we read that Jesus spent the night in prayer. When was the last time you or I spent the night in prayer? I’m doing great if I spend 10 minutes in prayer. Maybe a few times a week I’ll spend 20-30 minutes in prayer with the rosary. Once a month, if I remember, I’ll spend maybe an hour in prayer in Adoration but even much of that is time spent trying to rein in my wandering mind.
How does Jesus spend the night in prayer? I mean, what does He do during that time? The question sounds silly when I say it out loud, especially when I also say the answer, “He prayed.”
How do you spend your time?
In our technology driven world our attention spans have become shorter and shorter. We have conditioned ourselves to be entertained. Our cell phones, news, politics, web surfing, and television viewing are all just varying degrees of entertainment. They are designed to steal our attention! If you don’t believe me, just ask an advertising or tech executive; the honest ones.
Today, making time for prayer takes heroic effort. In a world where most folks check in and view their Facebook account for an average of 35 minutes per day or almost 17 hours per month, it’s no wonder a prayer life is lacking for many of us. Not to mention Twitter (10.22 hours per month), Instagram (26.5 hours per month), TikTok (47.5 hours per month), etc. When we include all social media, that means people are on their accounts for an average of 2.5 hours per day, that’s 75 hours per month! What else could you be doing with 75 hours per month? Learn to play a musical instrument or another language? Write a book or two? Serve at a soup kitchen? Read great books?
Did you check Facebook today? Did you pray today? “I just don’t have make time to pray….“
The power of prayer
After Jesus’ night in prayer He does great things, important things. Jesus comes down from the mountain and chooses His twelve closest followers. Judas was part of that group. Maybe that’s why it was an all night time of prayer. Then, after choosing His team, He goes out and heals diseases and casts out unclean spirits. Do you see the connection? Do you see a pattern with the Lord? Prayer is the foundation for all that the Lord does. It should be that way for me and for you too. What could the Lord do through you and me if we spent more time with Him in prayer and less time “liking” the latest meme, post, or picture?
A large number of people from all over came to hear Him! How? Why? Simon Peter didn’t create a Facebook event to let everyone know. Bartholomew didn’t send out an email blast with directions and a meeting time. Philip didn’t provide a massive text message to everyone who had texted “fishandchips” to 70809.
They came to Him because someone told them about Him. They came because “power came forth from him” and that power came from prayer.
Jesus said that we too will do great things but the the power has to come forth from Him through us. This power can only come from Him through us if we are connected to Him, connected in prayer.
I don’t know how to pray
But, and many will honestly say this, “I don’t know how to pray.” That’s a legitimate statement. It’s an honest assessment. It’s a heartfelt plea. Even the disciples asked Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray…” (Luke 11:1).
I obviously don’t have all of the answers but what I do have I give to you. Praying is talking to God. That may consist of formal prayers or spontaneous conversation. Speak to God as you would a best friend. Tell Him you are grateful for the life He has given you, your family, friends, work, suffering, struggles, how far He has brought you, … Ask Him for things you think you need like grace, faith, conversion, healing, etc. for yourself or others. Tell Him you are sorry for your sins, for the times you hurt Him and others, for the times that you choose yourself over Him. As in any relationship, don’t be the one who does all of the talking. Be quiet, listen. He may speak immediately into your heart or He may speak later through another person, scripture, a book, or in another way, but He will respond. Be open to that response even if it’s not what you hoped for.
Additional help with prayer
Below I list more ways to get better at prayer. You may find my book helpful for your prayer life. The steps are applicable for reading scripture and simply for praying. Don’t worry, you can read it here on the website or download it for free.
Do you have ways that have helped you grow in your prayer life? Please share them here in the comments.
FROM THE SAINTS
“Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God’s heart. You must speak to Jesus not only with your lips, but with your heart. In fact on certain occasions you should only speak to Him with your heart.” – Padre Pio
How to get better at prayer.
- Set a prayer appointment – Set a time on your calendar each day to meet and speak with God.
- Slowly increase your prayer time. – Don’t jump in with an hour right from the get-go. Build up your “tolerance” so to speak.
- Commit – to praying and slowly increasing your prayer time for 30 days. Mark off the days on your calendar. If you miss a day, jump right back in, don’t give up.
- Pray – praying is talking to God, it’s spending time with your attention focused on Him. I enjoy spending time with my children regardless of their level of development. God is the same way. Spend time praying as best you can. Use formal prayers if you want or simply speak in conversation. Don’t forget to listen
- Journal – My newly revised 4 Simple Steps to Better Scripture Meditations: Guide, Workbook, and Journal walks you through 4 easy steps that will help you go deeper in your prayer life. It includes 31 days of workbook and journal pages too!
- Read other good books about how to pray better – Prayer Primer, Deep Conversion, Deep Prayer, Time for God, The Spiritual Life: A Comprehensive Guide to Catholics Seeking Salvation
James M. Hahn, Author 