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