Prayer Time! Really? So early?

Posted on by Ismael Sapoval

prayer
 noun (1), often attributive

Definition of prayer
(1): an address (such as a petition) to God or a god in word or thought.  Said a prayer for the success of the voyage (2): a set order of words used for praying. An earnest request or wish
2: the act or practice of praying to God or a god kneeling in prayer
3: a religious service consisting chiefly of prayers —often used in plural
4: something prayed for
5: a slight chance haven’t got a prayer

Internet
Daniel Praying 3 Times a Day

So what is prayer? JoAnn and I went to a country where very early in the morning the sound from loud speakers were all around us. It was an alarm clock! It was early! We were sleeping! The chants and songs made it very clearly and very loudly: “it’s time to pray”! We had no choice but to get up! It was prayer time! We quickly realized we were not in “Kansas” anymore. I would get up. To be honest I was not quite sure what time it was really. We just got there. The “world” across the world and there we were with its sounds one hour before the sun rose: The Call! One hour before sunrise is the first call to pray among Muslims.

I don’t mind getting up early. I have been able to wake up at 3 AM without any problems when we have busy days at the business. JoAnn’s alarm goes off “gently” every work day at 5:50 A.M. We are used to getting up and getting up early! We were not used to the “wake up it’s time to pray” alarm! You want to know something? I did not mind it. I actually found it very…very–not sure what word to use! I found it embarrassing, maybe a bit guilty and it even questioned my commitment to prayer. When I wake up the first thing I want is a cup of coffee. It better be strong!

36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch[a]with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour?

WHAT IS PRAYER? You tell me!

Do I pray? Do I pray as an “earnest request or wish? Do I pray because I have to? Do I pray? If so, Who am I praying to? Is it a conversation? Do I hear back? Is the sound I hear the echo of my own voice? Is God Listening?

Notes from my Journal

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 
Rejoice always,  pray without ceasing,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

BIBLE

Muslims pray five times a day. It’s part of their life, culture, religion…it’s what they believe. They do it well and they do it faithfully. In our country the reality is that if one has a retail establishment of any kind it has to be wheelchair accessible–in Indonesia if you have a retail establishment you better have a room devoted to prayer-MUSHOLA! Even in the middle of a strawberry farm! Five times a day–the sounds are loud and clear–it’s prayer time!

Do I pray? Do I pray without ceasing? I don’t! There is so much I need to learn…..

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