When one is having fun, one is likely to forget a lot of things, and even people. I was having a lot of fun some weeks ago and some of the things I forgot to do were my regular exercise and daily prayers. And it wasn’t too long for me to realize that there are consequences for such forgetfulness: my number we up – BP, blood sugar, cholesterol; my energy levels were low – stamina, alertness, attention span.
Even at height, and maybe specially so, of his fame and popularity, Jesus still found time to withdraw to deserted places to pray. In fact, when He was happy He prayed more. But He also prayed when He was in deep trouble as in the garden and on the cross. When he was about to perform works of wonders (aka miracles), He prayed. When he was alone, He prayed. When he was with friends and loved ones, he prayed. In everything He did and for every time He did something, He told His Father – in prayer. His whole life was one constant conversation with the Father.
That is something I would like my life to be. Pray and pray without ceasing.
It happened that there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where Jesus was;
and when he saw Jesus,
he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said,
“Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.”
Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said,
“I do will it. Be made clean.”
And the leprosy left him immediately.
Then he ordered him not to tell anyone, but
“Go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing
what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”
The report about him spread all the more,
and great crowds assembled to listen to him
and to be cured of their ailments,
but he would withdraw to deserted places to pray.
Luke 5:12-16