Scripture: Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. Luke 6:12

Prayer: May I absorb this verse that is filled with such guidance.

Response: Where is your mountain and when your nights? Is it before dawn before you leave home, in the car when you purposely do not turn on National Public Radio, on a solitary walk, or in bed in the middle of the night when you wake? Is it rainy and gloomy, bright and sunny, or blustery and cold? Are you alone, with friends, or a loved one? What about with strangers? Quite a list of questions are provided to you this morning.

Prayer is the connection to the Lord God, that silver cord connection, along which you express sentiments,concerns, aspirations, joys, fears through a heart that doesn’t show the age that is reflected perhaps in your face, eyes, and even girth – all promoted by one’s biological age.  Prayer is increasingly youthful, innocent as you open in prayer as a blossom to reveal yourself, who you really are, someone whom even your closest companions might not yet have come to know.

Prayer is like dancing as if no one is watching as you communicate, that is, express and listen, during special times in your day. To mix metaphors, prayer is like running for exercise, that is, no equipment, location, time, facility, or companions are required – just your desire, intention, and perhaps seasoned with a bit of discipline.