If we were asked to describe our relationship with God, each of us would have a unique response, a response that is shaped by our life experience and the depth and quality of our prayer life.  Prayer is something that many of us struggle with.   Lent is a season where we are invited to spend more time in prayer, to make small sacrifices daily, and to be generous with our time, talents, and treasures.  Perhaps Lent is a time for us to experiment with different forms of prayer.
 
In our gospel this weekend, we encounter Jesus, newly baptized and ready to begin his public ministry.  Jesus is aware that he has a unique purpose, that he has a difficult journey ahead, but that is where his certainty ends – as it does for many of us.  Jesus is unsure of how his ministry will unfold and how best to reach the hearts and minds of people.  In his uncertainty, he turns to prayer.  He takes the time to listen, to reflect upon life’s direction, and to pray for strength and guidance.  
 
According to our gospel reading, three things tempted Jesus, hunger, power, and recognition.  Those are the same things that also tempt most of us. I am sure these were areas that Jesus struggled with throughout his lifetime, where he was tempted to compromise his ministry by taking the easy route. Yet Jesus was able to rise above temptation because he was keenly aware of the importance of having a relationship with God, the importance of prayer.  Jesus took the time to pray and reflect, to spend quality time with his Abba.
 
When Jesus went off into the desert, the temptations were real, and as we all know from personal experience, sometimes sin is hard to resist.  But Jesus knew that the solution to life’s problems was not going to be solved the easy way.  Jesus knew deep down that his calling was not to be a superstar, but to be a servant that come at a personal cost.  With prayer, he found the strength and courage to lead us forward, to show us the way that leads to peace, healing, and salvation.  
 
This Lenten season is a time for us to follow the example of Jesus and to spend time in a spiritual desert by fasting, praying, and doing good works.  It’s a time for us repent and to prepare our hearts and minds to welcome the Risen Lord. When God stirs our hearts, may we find the strength and courage to cry out “Here I am Lord, what do you want of me.”
 
May God bless you and your loved ones today, tomorrow, and forever more.
 
+Harry