CHOSEN TO PRAY THE MARATHON?

“Then He went out to the mountain to pray, spending the night in communion with God.” –Luke 6:12

In imitation of Christ, we are sometimes called to spend several hours in prayerful communion with God (Lk 6:12). This may be a vigil, a day or night of recollection, or a retreat. After we spend these special, extended times with the Lord, He sometimes raises up leaders for His Church (see Lk 6:13ff). Then He may cure those “troubled with unclean spirits” and all those suffering from diseases (Lk 6:18-19). When the Lord calls us to extended times of prayer, we have reason to rejoice, for the grace to pray for an extended time is often followed by many other graces, as the Lord chooses leaders, drives out demons, heals the sick, etc.

Is the Lord calling you to pray for long periods of time? We may receive this calling only infrequently. Therefore, when we have been called to spend the day or night in prayer, we should thank the Lord for the privilege of having this grace. We should accept it enthusiastically with joyful anticipation of many other graces for the whole body of Christ and ourselves.

Pray. Pray more. Pray for days and nights when the Lord calls.

PRAYER: Father, send the Holy Spirit to teach us to pray for extended times.
PROMISE: “Do not deceive yourselves: no fornicators, idolaters, or adulterers, no sodomites, thieves, misers, or drunkards, no slanderers or robbers will inherit God’s kingdom.” —1 Cor 6:9-10
PRAISE: An all-night prayer vigil changed Carolyn’s life. Now she lives her life gladly following the will of God.