And pray all the time!

Luke 21:34-36

Jesus said to the people: “Watch out! Don’t let my sudden coming catch you unawares; don’t let me find you living in careless ease, carousing and drinking, and occupied with the problems of this life, like all the rest of the world. Keep a constant watch. And pray all the time that if possible you may arrive in my presence without having to experience these horrors.”.

Food for thought!

In today's gospel reading, Jesus recommends us to pray all the times. Why is this so? Well, we know that usually in the heat of battle, our mind tends to lose its balance. When too many things confront us at the same time like unexpected setbacks, doubts and criticisms from our own friends, there’s a danger of responding emotionally, with fear, anger, or frustration.

It is vital to keep our faith, maintaining our mental powers whatever the circumstances. We must actively resist the emotional pull of the moment — staying decisive, confident, no matter what hits us. In moments of turmoil and trouble, we must force ourselves to pray because with prayer we see God in our problem; without prayer we see problem in our God.

Jesus' advice is that whenever we get into trouble and turmoil, suffering and problems, we pray. Why prayer? Because prayer takes us beyond the present turmoil, problem, and suffering; without prayer we tend to get pulled down by our present moment of turmoil, whereas prayer pulls us towards God. Without prayer, we get caught up in the moment. Without prayer we live as if there's no tomorrow; we buy as if there's no tomorrow; we eat as if there's no tomorrow; we suffer as if there is no God.

Prayer isn’t a last resort— prayer is the first step! “Do not fret or have anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything , by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.” (Philippians 4: 6) “Be unceasing in prayer” (1 Thessalonians 5: 17). Praying without ceasing literally says what it means. That we constantly stay in touch with out God at all times, for prayer is more than a life line; it’s an intimate connection between us and the Father.