We see this great figure, this strength in passion, in resistance against the powerful. We ask: where does this life come from, this interiority so strong, so upright, so consistent, spent so totally for God and preparing the way for Jesus? The answer is simple: from his relationship with God, from prayer, which is the common thread of his entire existence [...].
The entire existence of the Forerunner of Jesus is nourished by his relationship with God, particularly the period spent in desert regions (cf. Lk 1:80); the desert regions that are the place of temptation, but also the place where man feels his own poverty because he lacks material support and security, and understands that the only solid point of reference remains God himself. But John the Baptist is not only a man of prayer, of permanent contact with God, but also a guide to this relationship. The Evangelist Luke, reporting the prayer that Jesus teaches the disciples, the "Our Father", notes that the request is formulated by the disciples in these words: "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples" (cf. Lk 11:1) [...].
The Christian life demands, so to speak, the "martyrdom" of daily fidelity to the Gospel, that is, the courage to let Christ grow in us and let Christ direct our thinking and our actions. But this can only happen in our lives if our relationship with God is solid. Prayer is not wasted time, it is not stealing space from activities, even apostolic ones, but it is exactly the opposite: only if we are able to have a faithful, constant, trusting prayer life, will God himself give us the ability and strength to live happily and serenely, to overcome difficulties and to witness courageously. May St John the Baptist intercede for us, so that we always know how to preserve the primacy of God in our lives. Thank you.
(Pope Benedict, General Audience 29 August 2012)
