The importance of prayer in the midst of good works
Luke 5:15-16
15 But despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.
This passage reminds us of a couple of things.
Having a face-to-face encounter with Jesus is something that is difficult to keep a secret. The man Jesus had healed in the last few verses was instructed to keep it quiet, but he couldn’t. The information he shared about how Jesus had healed him was also very attractive to others who needed help. People came from all over to meet this Jesus person and to be healed.
The other thing we note in these verses, however, is that Jesus prioritised time in prayer – in relationship with His father.
The picture that this paints for us is that, while we can bring Jesus into the lives of other people through our love, kindness and grace, we need to spend time in quiet conversation with God on a regular basis to have the ability to bring that love, kindness and grace to those around us. We get renewed and refreshed when we spend time in prayer and reflection, and we are refilled with the Holy Spirit to bring God’s love into the world.
Dear Lord, thank you for this picture of how things work well. Jesus prioritised time with You to enable Him to do the things You had sent Him to do. Help us to do that too – to prioritise time with You to make sure we are set up well to do all the things You made us to do. Thank you that each of us has the opportunity to bring Your love to the people we encounter. Help us to put the picture together – time with You and time bringing You to others. Amen.
Written by Therese Manning