We’ve told ourselves that if Jesus needed to pray then certainly we need to pray. Paul’s letters overflow with prayer. We’ve read them and are convicted to pray. When we have devoted ourselves to pray we have emerged from the time energized. But it doesn’t stick. We return to our routine of dabbling in prayer.

But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. (Matthew 6:6, NKJV)

All of us know that eating right and exercising regularly are good for us. They contribute to physical health and mental well-being. We fully believe that. Perhaps we have even experienced the benefits, maybe through weight loss or greater stamina. Then why don’t we stick to it?

The same is true of prayer. We believe that God wants us to pray. We’ve read Christ’s teaching on prayer and its importance. We’ve seen His example. We’ve told ourselves that if Jesus needed to pray then certainly we need to pray. Paul’s letters overflow with prayer. We’ve read them and are convicted to pray. When we have devoted ourselves to pray we have emerged from the time energized. But it doesn’t stick. We return to our routine of dabbling in prayer.

I saw this throughout my pastoral ministry. I would preach on prayer and people would eat it up. But it often did not translate into action. If it did, it looked like a New Year’s resolution – decided, dedicated, determined, derailed.

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