Homily by Father Paul Wharton
The Gospels record 17 specific occasions when Jesus prayed.
Jesus prayed
at different times of the day
in different places
Sometimes He prayed
on His own, and sometimes
when His Disciples were with Him.
Jesus prayed
before making decisions such as choosing the Apostles
before healing the sick and raising the dead
at turning points in his life like the Garden of Gethsemane
Jesus prayed 40 days in the desert before beginning his ministry.
and prayed at his death on the cross
seeking forgiveness for those who crucified him and
offering his life as a sacrifice for sinners like us
Jesus prayed again and again for at least two reasons:
to set an example for us to follow and
to stay connected to and with his and our Heavenly Father.
Remember this:
for us Christians, prayer is as important to us as
eating
drinking,
breathing