When you think of the verb ‘to pray’ what comes to mind? Different people approach this activity in different ways, so don’t be deceived into thinking the answer is obvious! Try writing a definition on paper.
Today’s reflection looks at one of the many occasions in the bible that Jesus went off to pray.
Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay
“Now during those days [Jesus] went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God.”
You may want to read the whole Chapter, which is here.
Reflection
What was so significant about ‘those days’ that Jesus felt the need to spend a night praying?
The narrative immediately prior to this sentence describes his willingness to put the needs of others before religious rules. (See verses 1-11). Those rules were a distortion, by those in authority, of a Divine invitation to rest. Jesus’ choices and actions made those in authority furious. As a rabbi, a teacher of the Hebrew Scriptures, this would not have been easy for him. Maybe he needed time out to reflect and be in Loving company.
It also seems that Jesus used a night of prayer to prepare for selecting twelve close friends from among his followers (vs 13-16), healing (vs 17-19) and offering inspired new ways of interpreting ancient texts (vs 20 – 49).
Do you pray? Perhaps you meditate or are mindful, instead? What draws you to this? How do you do it? What is this activity, for you? For Jesus, time spent in prayer was important for his relationship with God, his ability to make wise decisions, divine inspiration to teach and power to heal. Christians proclaim Jesus was God incarnate, and yet (and so?) he found prayer essential!
September marks a move into a new season. Does it speak to you, perhaps an invitation to renewed purpose and vision? This can be an opportunity to relish what is good, check out what is helpful and consider fresh ways of praying. You may find this exercise helpful.
Have you ever felt drawn to spend a significant time in prayer? Perhaps the thought is daunting but inviting? What/who might help?
Whirlow Spirituality Centre offers opportunities and support for spending intentional time with the Divine. Simple Quiet Days, Days of Retreat, space for solitude. These can introduce retreat, just being, prayer. We are rooted in the Christian Tradition and aim to make our events accessible to all explorers: please get in touch if you’d like to ask more about our programme and facilities.
Many individuals find having a spiritual accompanier is helpful. This is a companion with whom you can share freely about your spiritual life, including the way you pray. Here is a leaflet.
Here are some Christian ‘preparatory’ prayers that you may want to use:
Pray for the Freedom to Pray
I need to close out the noise,
to rise above the noise;
the noise that interrupts, that separates,
the noise that isolates.
I need to listen to God again.
~
St Ignatius describes Preparatory Prayer as asking for:
“...grace that my intentions, actions, and operations may be directed purely to the praise and service of the Divine Majesty”
~
Lord I want to prepare well for this time
I want to make all of me ready and attentive and available to you
Please help me to clarify and purify my intentions
I have many contradictory desires
I get pre-occupied with things that don’t really matter or last
I know that if I give you my heart, whatever I do will follow
In all that I am today, all that I try to do,
All my encounters, reflections – even the frustrations and failings
and especially this time of prayer,
In all of this, may I place my life in your hands.
Lord, I am yours.
Make of me what you will.
Amen