Growth

Thought for the week

"Failure to pray is like trying to go through marriage without talking to your spouse" – Darrell Bock.

Our first example of a prayer of Christ comes at an important stage in his life. This prayer occurs just after his baptism as he is preparing for his ministry. Jesus is about to go into the wilderness and be tempted when he comes to John the Baptist to be baptised.

What we have here is the anointing of Jesus for his ministry. We discover Jesus praying after he was baptised and the recognisable voice of God confirming God’s anointing on him for ministry. The Holy Spirit descends on him like a dove and God the Father speaks into his life.

Let us consider our own prayer lives in the light of this passage in Luke.

When do you pray? Morning, Afternoon, Evening, on a Sunday, as and when! Would you describe yourself as a disciplined prayer or are you more spontaneous?

What are the benefits of a disciplined prayer life? What are the pitfalls of a disciplined prayer life?

What are the benefits of spontaneous prayer? What are the pitfalls of spontaneous prayer?

Think of times or a specific time when the Holy Spirit has spoken to you or guided you during your prayer times. Share them with someone close to you.

How did you respond to the Holy Spirit? Do you expect God to speak to you through his Holy Spirit when you pray?

In this reading in Luke we encounter the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, together. What role do they play in your prayer life?