Prayer matters

Prayer matters. It changes lives. It makes a difference whether or not we pray.

One scripture that speaks this truth so clearly to me is the passage with Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. As Jesus was preparing to enter a terrible time he asked his closest friends–Peter, John and James–to watch and pray.

Matt 26:38, 41 – “Then Jesus went with his followers to a place called Gethsemane. He said to them, “My heart is full of sorrow, to the point of death. Stay here and watch with me…Stay awake and pray for strength against temptation. The spirit wants to do what is right, but the body is weak.”

I’ve often wondered how things might have been different had the 3 disciples prayed instead of slept. Perhaps Peter would never have denied knowing the Lord. Maybe they would have been more of a support to him when he needed them the most.

How would our lives change if we prayed more? Sure, we’re busy and tired and stressed. There’s a lot on our plates. Prayer is not easy. It wouldn’t have been easy for these disciples either. But the Lord challenged them to pray. He knew the value of prayer and the difference makes.

How’s your prayer life? Do you spend time daily with the Lord? Or are you allowing the business of life to swallow up you prayer time?

Prayer not only makes a difference, it makes the difference. It changes perspectives. It empowers us. It changes lives. It gives us strength. It matters. Watch and pray.