THURSDAY, March 11

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Mark 6:30-46. After saying farewell to them, he went up on the mountain to pray.
 
In this chapter of Mark, Jesus learns about John the Baptist's terrible murder, finds a lonely place apart to collect himself, and then tackles the teaching and feeding of five thousand persons. Mark depicts an active, can-do Jesus, but we also see one who prays every chance he gets.
 
Prayer is unlike vitamins or exercise--it is impossible to overdose! Brother Lawrence prayed joyfully as he washed dishes. A rancher friend of mine prays as he spends hours alone in the saddle. Richard Foster, the Quaker writer and teacher, has joined a covenant of friends who take five minutes at noon to stop every other activity, assess how their morning has gone, and ask God's continual guidance.
 
Perhaps you can experiment with some new ways of praying. You might try a short prayer of thanksgiving for every person with whom you speak in a given day. Or you might offer a stoplight prayer: "You are patience and joy, O God. Help me be more like you."
 
Teresa of Avila said: "There is but one road that reaches God, and that is prayer. If anyone shows you another, you are being deceived." (1992)
 
PRAY for the Diocese of Botswana (Central Africa)
 
Ps [83] or 42,43 * 85, 86; Genesis 46:1-7, 28-34; 1 Corinthians 9:1-15