If you want to know about prayer, examine the life of Jesus: 1) He prayed when the pressures of life increased. ‘News about him spread…so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed…But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed’ (vv.15-16 NIV 2011 Edition). It’s when you think you don’t have time to pray, that you need to pray most. Spending time with God is the secret to having power with Him. 2) He prayed when important decisions had to be made. When it came to picking His closest friends, Jesus sought His Father’s guidance. He ‘went out to a mountainside…and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve…[as] apostles’ (Luke 6:12-13 NIV 2011 Edition). When you really think about it – the truth hits you on the side of the head! We can spend a year, not to mention a small fortune, planning a wedding. Yet amazingly we won’t seek God’s guidance when it comes to choosing a mate to spend the rest of our life with. God is not just the creator of the universe; He’s the CEO who runs it. Can you imagine what He knows about operating a successful business? His CV reads: ‘I am the LORD…who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way you should go’ (Isaiah 48:17 NKJV). Before you hire an employee, form a partnership, formulate a plan, or invest a penny, God invites you to discuss it with Him and get His input. ‘Listen for GOD’s voice in everything you do…he’s the one who will keep you on track’ (Proverbs 3:6 MSG).