Jesus in Prayer

In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. (Luke 6:12 ESV)

Prayer is an indispensable act between the Spiritual life and you, which our Lord gives as an illustration. Prayer must be continual. Jesus sets the example as He speaks to the Father regularly. The work Jesus did of healing the sick and casting out demons, exhausted him. Rising early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus went to be alone and pray (see Mark 1:32-35). You can see that the work of delivering souls and healing demands constant renewal with God. On the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up on the mountain to pray. As He prayed, the appearance of His face changed and His clothing became bright white and God appeared to the three apostles telling them that Jesus was His Son and to listen to Him (see Luke 9:28-35). These are just two examples of Jesus doing God’s will on this world through prayer. As you seek to follow the example of Jesus, you too, must be in continual prayer.

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. However, you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

(John 14:16,17 NIV)

With the outpouring of the power from the Holy Spirit to you and all believers as Jesus prayed for, we see again, God answering the prayer of His Son. The prayer to send you a comforter, an advocate, to help you and be with you forever is perhaps the single most important prayer Jesus could have prayed for you; to ask God to send you the Holy Spirit in order to teach you truth and to dwell in you. What love! You who are undeserving of the love God has for you sent His Son to die a cruel death on the cross, only to rise on the third day to allow you to have unbroken fellowship with Himself. In addition, He sends you a helper to give you power and direction. You must follow the example of Jesus by staying in fellowship with the Father through prayer. For you know that it is prayer that gives you power and will refresh. You need to do this daily for this world will continually test you and take your strength.

For Thought:

1.    Jesus lived in this world facing the same obstacles you do; yet, in prayer, He could be refreshed and strengthened. Do you understand this truth is for you also?

2.    As you live your life in the power of the Holy Spirit, remember to seek the Father who loves you and desires you to live for Him and for your life to glorify the Father.

As you spend time in prayer, ask God to teach you how to live for Him. Focus your time in an environment that is away from all distractions so that you may give all to God. Seek to honor Him in communication with Him and be refreshed and strengthened.

8 My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.

 (Psalm 71:8 NIV)