Pray and do not lose heart

"And He told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart." (Luke 18:1)

It would seem that our options are to either pray or to lose heart. Other translations say, "pray and do not faint." Jesus described the Christian life in John 15:5 with the illustration of a vine and branches. If you sever the branch from the vine it will wither and die. We are to abide in Christ in a relationship like the branch to the vine. One of the ways that we do that is through prayer.

Today I have one of those days that seems to have more in it than I can possibly do. I need to cut my grass, finish sermon preparation, attend a grandaughter's dance recital, perform a wedding, and go to a barbeque for a daughter that is leaving town. I am reminded of Martin Luther, the great reformer, who once said, "I have so much to do today that I must spend more time in prayer."

Prayer puts us in touch with the unlimited power and resources of God. Do not neglect your time in the prayer closet. You heavenly Father wants to spend quality time with you today.