Imitating Christ: His Prayer Life

Jesus spent time with His Father.  Relationships take effort and communication.  I think we Christ followers often time get too wrapped up in the amount of time we spend on our knees.  We SHOULD spend time in private communion with God but prayer should be more of a lifestyle then a certain point of the day.

I am sure that if I called my wife every day at the same time she would appreciate that.  I am sure it would make her feel great to hear kind words from me.  I am sure she would enjoy the time I spend with her.  But if that phone call was the only time all day that I share my heart and my time, she would not enjoy the depth of relationship that could be possible.  Can you imagine my not talking to her at all the rest of the day?  During the car ride to church, at night when we have laid our son down to sleep, or when we eat dinner together would be times together that we don't communicate.  We would just be in one another's physical presence.

Consider these statements to the Father from Jesus:

John 11:41b-42 (NKJV)
⁴¹Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.
⁴² And I know that You always hear Me"

A Few thoughts on this verse for you and I to consider:

• Jesus was speaking during the day & in front of people
  
• Jesus was comfortable with talking to His Father
• Jesus knew that His Father was listening
• Jesus was talking to His Father about a need
• Jesus found comfort in His relationship

Whether you call it prayer, talking, sharing, or communing with the Father - just do it.  Talk with Him about everything throughout your day.  It will prove to be a source of blessing, strength, wisdom, righteousness, conviction, and encouragement in your life.