But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. (Luke 5:16)
12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. 13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: (Luke 6:12-13)
I am sure that like me you have heard many people ask the question, “What would Jesus do?” Sometimes when people ask the question, they are trying to clarify a grey area. For example, they may be trying to decide what political party to vote for. Sometimes though, when the question is asked it is much clearer what Jesus would do. I think one such area is in the matter of prayer. Is there any doubt that Jesus prayed often?
Please read the passages above and answer the questions below.
Today’s Questions:
- What impression of Jesus are you left with from the passages?
- How does this impression challenge you in your own approach to prayer?
February 25, 2016 at 6:08 am
I get the impression that Jesus considered the times when He communicated with his Father as personal and private. The fact that it was often shows Jesus talked to God any and everywhere. He didn’t wait for a specific time or place. He spoke to God wherever and whenever He felt the need to.
My approach to prayer is very similar. I don’t care about where I am or what I’m doing. If I feel the need to talk with God, I do. There are times when the communication is emotional and personal and I prefer to find a quiet place, but there are times that it’s in my car, while I’m at work, while I’m cooking, etc., and I know God hears my prayer just the same.
February 25, 2016 at 9:05 am
That Jesus made prayer a priority and devoted chunks of time to praying away from distractions. He prayed for guidance and inspiration in that he selected the chosen 12 after a period of prayer.
It challenges me in that I often pray with too many distractions and do not devote sufficient time to praying compared to what Jesus is modeling here. My challenge is sometimes my prayers are dry, lacking meaning, sincerity – and I find myself (sometimes) repeating the same thing over and over again – making it hollow. I wonder what Jesus was saying when he spent all that time praying to God – perhaps he was listening?
February 25, 2016 at 5:26 pm
1. I get the impression that Jesus liked to pray often and in solitude, in a setting where he would not be distracted. The mountains seemed to have been one of those magnetic forces in nature that pulled him away from distractions and provided a lush, quiet environment for time alone with God. Jesus prayed before making major decisions such as selecting those who would be in the ministry with Him.
2. For me, it is instructive that Jesus often got away from distractions to pray, however, it does not mean that he always got away from them. At the same time, I am greatly challenged to know that Jesus prayed often especially when faced with major decisions. If Jesus Himself spent so much time in prayer, why shouldn’t I?
February 25, 2016 at 5:46 pm
It is not surprising Jesus always pray. That maintains a constant channel with his father and it makes it possible for him to be energized and get guidance from his father.
Likewise, when we cease to pray, we loose that constant connection and relationship that with God and our ability to be guided may be lost.
This important communication Chanel is so important for us to live a fruitful life as Jesus demonstrated.
Daniel