The next day, as they were traveling and nearing the city, Peter went up to pray on the housetop about noon. Acts 10:9 HCSB
God desires to have a relationship with each of us and to pray to Him. Prayer is our way to communicate with the God of the universe. What an awesome opportunity! Some people and some religions view prayer as an obligation or duty rather than a privilege. Many recite scripted prayers, but that is not what God desires. He wants us to come and just talk to Him as we would to an old friend on the phone. Our prayers do not have to be fancy or laden with eloquent words.
Peter went up on the rooftop to pray. It was common in his day for homes to have a flat roof or an upper room. Evidently it was a common occurrence for Peter to go somewhere to be alone and pray. He was following Jesus’ example, who often retreated to a place where He could focus on sharing His concerns and feelings with His heavenly Father without any distractions.
Challenge: How is your prayer life? Are you spending time each day in prayer outside of your prayers at the meal table? God desires your fellowship and wants to hear your concerns and thoughts. Find a place where you can get away from distraction and spend some time praying to God. Keep a journal of your prayer requests and you will be surprised how often God answers your prayers and provides what you need. Pray for your needs and the needs of others. Always pray that God’s will be done in every situation, even if it is not what you might desire.