WHEN WE FEEL LEAST LIKE PRAYING

bcorley8
3 days ago
2 min read

I sat under Dr. Homer G. Lindsay's leadership at the First Baptist Church Downtown Jacksonville for over twenty years, and out of the countless sermons I heard, one comment he made stands out in my mind: "When you feel least like praying is when you need to pray the most."

I understand that there are 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, and 24 hours in a day, and the concept of time hasn’t changed. However, we live in an era where time seems to speed up, making us feel like we’re falling behind in all aspects of our lives. I casually searched "Is time speeding up?" on Google out of curiosity. Although many theories explain why time appears to be flying by, the true essence of time stays unchanged.

When feeling rushed, I find myself wanting to skip my "time" with the Lord and dash through the day.

Next week I’m attending a writer’s conference and have lots to do. Knowing the best way to fuel my day, I settled down with my first cup of coffee and began my daily bible reading. Chapter five in the book of Luke quickly caught my attention. The author, Luke, records a busy time in Jesus’ ministry. He’s occupied with choosing disciples, teaching, visiting in homes, and healings. In the middle of describing all Jesus was doing, Luke interjects … “And He withdrew Himself into the wilderness and prayed” (Luke 5:16).

If Jesus had to make time to pray, how crucial is it for us to prioritize our prayer efforts?

Prayer is both a privilege and a powerful tool, made available to us by God, and is essential for our spiritual journey. I’m reminded of what a friend of mine, who was a third-grade teacher, told her class, “The only prayer God does not answer is the one you do not pray.”

Our adversary, Satan, will do everything in his power to keep us from praying. He doesn't mind if we read scriptures every day, attend Church regularly, and are loving and kind to our family, but he doesn’t want us to pray. Some say, “Satan trembles when the weakest saint is on their knees.”

According to Strong's Definitions, the word “withdrew” that is found in Luke 5:16 means “to vacate down, i.e., retire quietly: —go aside, withdraw self.”

What’s on your to-do list? Are you, like me, sometimes tempted not to pray? We are to be imitators of Christ. So, before “time” gets away from you, perhaps the day would go smoother if, like Jesus, you withdrew and communicated with the Father. I'm certain He’ll be happy to hear from you.