Pray Where You Are

Jesus went out into the hills to pray; 
Lk.6:12

Jesus is about to choose the twelve apostles, his A team, from his followers. He starts with a night of prayer.

Jesus didn't toss out quick prayers on the run, or maybe he did but they are not recorded. What are recorded are his epic nights of prayer.

I remember my first ever prayer. It was on the beach at Stranraer, Scotland. It was 1981, prior to travelling to Europe with my wife and then one child. I was trying to decide between two vehicles to buy, the vehicle would be our home for the next few months. The purchase would use money reserved for our return flights home to New Zealand. The undertaking was risky and I felt the weight of responsibility. 

My wife was Catholic while I was a non-believer but recall walking on the beach and saying, "God of Kate, if you're up there, which vehicle should I buy?" I then walked up from the beach and bought the CF Bedford van. This was the larger vehicle and worked well as a camper around Europe. Six months later we sold it in London and made 50 pounds on the sale. 

It wasn't until years later that I recalled that answered prayer, and gave thanks for it.

Somehow, prayer moves God's hand. There's a mystery to it. It's now the glue that sticks my family together. If there is one thing we do, we pray.

Jesus, you model a prayerful life. May I always stay connected to you through prayer.