prevailing prayer

In the last week of my sabbatical, on a quiet retreat in Ireland, I read the private diary and public journal of David Brainerd, of New England, a missionary to Native Americans in the early 18th century.  Having a melancholy temperament and a weakened body, Brainerd, in his writings, demonstrates a tenacity in prayer for the advancement of God's Kingdom through his work, what is called travailing prayer.  His life was grounded in the ora labora, the work of prayer.  The Rule of St. Benedict speaks of a commitment to prayer and work, ora et labora; which is good.  But the life of David Brainerd and the Life of Jesus illustrate that prayer is the work of God in and through us.  

During the days of Jesus' life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to The One Who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent Submission (Hebrews 5:7).  The first followers of Jesus weren't just amazed by His prayer life, but rather by His Life of prayer.  They noticed the frequency, depth, and intensity of His fervent cries to His Father, and asked Him to teach them to pray.  He gave them a summary of His Life of prayer in what we call "The Lord's Prayer", not so much as a form or a model for prayer but as an incentive for the work of prayer, for prevailing prayer.  We see it in the life of St. Paul, who wrote to the believers in Galatia, My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you (4:19).  Jesus continues in His Work of Prayer for us in Glory at The Father's Side, and invites Paul and us into it.  

I realize that, though I pray, I'm more of a slacker, loath to engage in the work of travailing prayer.  Perhaps that's why God seems to be asking The Abbey to create a space for that, open to intercessors 24-7.  May you and I commit ourselves to the work of prayer, wherever we are.