Day 2

According to the Canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus spent forty days fasting in the desert before the beginning of his public ministry, where he endured temptation by Satan. As Christians and indeed, as human beings, we face temptation every day. Through the Bible we are taught that the strength we need to avoid succumbing to this temptation can be sought through prayer and repentance.

Mark 1:12-15

And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the Good News of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the Good News."

I used to be scared of prayer. I used to think that it had to be done in a certain way and in a certain place. Neither of these things are true. Prayer can be anything from a few thoughts in your head to a long, rambling 'conversation' with God in church.

Matthew 18: 20

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

What greater promise than this is there, that God is forever with you? Prayer can be a very personal thing or something which you join together with fellow Christians to undertake. I personally favour both solitary and group prayer. I am blessed to live with 4 other Christians, and gain a huge amount of strength from being able to pray with them and know that they are praying for me. I also love to pray in church and in those moments of quiet where I feel most in touch with God.

But here is my challenge to you. If you have never prayed before - try it. Just a few simple lines, asking for God's presence in your life. Nothing fancy. :) If you haven't prayed for a while - start again. And if you pray regularly - please pray that those who know little of God's goodness may be shown his way.