THE MASTER IN PRAYER (3)

“And it happened, as HE WAS ALONE PRAYING, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” – Luke 9:18

Examining the MASTER IN PRAYER shows that our Lord Jesus prayed before every Major Moment: “And it happened, as HE WAS ALONE PRAYING, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” So they answered and said, “John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God” (Lk.9: 18-20). Here, Jesus prayed before revealing who He was to the disciples. He prayed prior to asking the paradigm-shifting question that would change everything. From then on, He began to explain to His disciples what it meant to be Christ – God’s Messiah. He explained that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer, die and be raised from the dead.

Jesus prayed before every big event or major moment in His life. He seemed to face every turning point on His knees: His Baptism, Ministry, Transfiguration, and the Cross.

Jesus prayed at His baptism: “When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while HE PRAYED, the heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased” (Lk.3: 21-22). This was the official inception of His years of ministry. It was no coincidence that as He was praying, the Holy Spirit descended on Him, and the Father declared His blessing!

Jesus prayed all night before He chose the twelve apostles: “Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to PRAY, and continued ALL NIGHT IN PRAYER to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles” (Lk.6:12). This was a big deal and significant moment! Jesus knew that He would be leaving His entire mission in the hands of this small band of brothers. He intentionally spent an entire night praying about whom to call.

Jesus prayed before the Transfiguration: “Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the MOUNTAIN to PRAY. AS HE PRAYED, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening” (Lk.9: 28-29). Jesus took the inner circle up onto a mountain to pray, where they were given a glimpse of Who He really is. It’s no coincidence that this remarkable mountaintop experience happened while they were praying.

Jesus prayed to raise Lazarus from the dead: “Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me” (Jh.11:41-42).

Jesus prayed with His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane knowing He was going to the cross (Mt.26: 36-46). He also prayed on the cross, as He gave His life for humankind.

Whenever Jesus knew a big moment was coming, He got His heart ready by praying. Moreover, because Jesus prayed often, He was ready for the big moments when they happened. He didn’t just get ready, HE STAYED READY. That is, some big moments most likely happened because He was praying! If we’ll be prepared to face life’s big moments or stay ready for whatever life throws at us, we must follow the Master’s Model. A big moment could be an impending important conversation, something happening with our family or job, or a decision we’re facing that we know will have huge consequences. What it is, let’s get our hearts ready and stay ready, on our knees.