Priorities in Prayer Life
Monday, April 7
Matthew 6:33
As some people know, I am a fan of the 1941 edition of “The Pastor’s Daily Prayer” which is found in that year’s Lutheran Agenda…. And, yes, it was published before I was born. One somewhat embarrassing truth about my fondness for the prayer is I have never prayed it “daily.” However, this Lent, I am making a pathetic attempt to do so. I’m not sharing my batting average with you on this; it’s more humbling than the number of missed notes I typically have when I play my trumpet. The prayer mentions such weakness with the words of confession that “especially do I acknowledge my indolence in prayer.”
Luke 5:33 and John 18:2 remind us that both John and Jesus would pray “often.” Each writer used a different word to convey that the men “frequently” prayed with their disciples. In Luke, the word implies density in the schedule, and John used a word for “many,” meaning proportion. These details are both freeing and telling. More often than not, John would fast and pray with his disciples. And Jesus met many times with His disciples in prayer. Many, often, but not “always.” Prayer should be a priority – densely distributed in our schedules. Although I can’t find the quote, Luther said at some point “the busier I am, the more I have to pray.”
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus prioritized the Kingdom: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Mt. 6:33) Although the term “prayer” is not in the verse, we see in the lives of John and Jesus a density and frequency of prayer because prayer is our Kingdom communication; after hearing the King speak in His Word, we respond.
We should intentionally and spontaneously prioritize prayer, but we should not let it become a legalistic practice. We should not pray only because it is on our schedule, but we do it often, and when it is on our schedule, we do it willingly. Yet, we can schedule things, grudgingly do them, and be blessed!
Another priority in prayer is the percentage of our petitions should be weighted toward God’s grace and work in His Kingdom. In the Lord’s Prayer 6/7 of the Petitions are focused specifically upon the soul. And even the 4th Petition, “Give us this day our daily bread” prioritizes what is essential rather than excess – another Kingdom emphasis.
But, clearly, mercy and forgiveness through Jesus are the priority in the Lord’s Prayer. Please read Jesus’ own commentary on this, Matthew 6:14-15.
PRAYER: Father, forgive me for not praying more often and for not praying as much about Your Kingdom as I do my own concerns about the body. I praise You for forgiving me for these sins of omission in my prayers and for forgiving all sins. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.