Even Jesus took time away for prayer. Why? To fortify himself for fresher, fiercer struggles. Struggles against his enemies, his recalcitrant apostles and against his own ego.

How can we expect to move forward with a vibrant faith, not caving into countless temptations and moral compromises, if we don’t take time to recharge our souls in communion with God through prayer.

It is an obvious fact that each day of our lives has the potential to wear us down, to curb our spiritual enthusiasm and to cool our love for one another. Whether we like it or not, we are engaged in a daily spiritual battle – for our souls and those of others.

Our renewed good will and resolve to stay close to God and act charitably are more than worth it. It is the life of those who call themselves friends of Jesus.