Following is the commentary that accompanied the responsive reading for 19 March 2023, which I provided for my church. The responsive reading included the following scripture selections: Luke 18: 2-8, Matthew 6: 5-8, Luke 22:39-44, and I Thessalonians 5: 16-18.

As we begin this fourth week of the Lenten season, I selected prayer as the topic. The night before Jesus was arrested, and the next day crucified; Luke in his gospel, described Jesus praying with such intensity that sweat drops like blood fell to the ground. Thus, prayer seemed an appropriate topic.

All throughout the Gospels, we read of Jesus going away from the crowds and even the disciples, to spend time in intimate conversation with God. Jesus prayed in all circumstances, and listened to the response from God the Father.

Jesus told the parable of the unjust judge and the widow, to teach us to pray with persistence. Sometimes I struggle with this, because of a lack of patience. I have to constantly remind myself that God knows me and the future better than I do, and will only do that which is for my good. So, sometimes God’s answer may be “yes,” and other times may be “no,” or even “wait.”

Sometimes that which is for my good, may be contrary to my prayer request. I have to remember that God’s will is what is important. God’s will for us was salvation through the suffering and death of Jesus. Even though Jesus prayed for this cup to pass from him, he prayed; if it was God’s will. God’s answer was no. Jesus obeyed and paid the price for our salvation. 

Persistence in prayer is not to keep reminding God of our wants or needs, as if He forgets. God does not forget, get distracted by other’s prayers, or ignore us. Persistence in prayer should be our way of drawing closer to God, and little by little grasping his plan and purpose for us. 

Prayer and Bible study, are two ways that God speaks to us, if we but listen. It is so easy to go to God in prayer, with a lengthy list of wants and needs. But, how much time do we spend listening for God’s response; and in faith believing that he has heard, and answered our prayer?

We do not need a lot of fancy or lofty words to get God’s attention. As Jesus said, in Matthew 6:8; “[God] your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” While public prayer is well and good, God wants a personal and loving relationship with each of us as individuals. Quiet private and personal time alone with God in prayer, is his desire and our blessing.

When Jesus prayed, it was a time of communion with God; from which he learned where the Father was working, and then joined in that work. Last week’s Bible study referred to Jesus’s words, found in John 5:19-20; where Jesus explained this to the religious leaders of his time.

The fact that God loves us and pursues a deep and personal loving relationship with us, should fill us with joy and adoration, Then, as the apostle Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18; Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Our prayer life is so important that much of today’s responsive reading was also a part of the one for August 7, 2022. To me, prayer time is such a blessing that I pray you experience God’s love this week, in the same way…

© 2023 David Posival