PRAYING THE HEART OF JESUS (2)

“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” – Luke 6:12

Meditating on His Private Prayer Life will provide insight into PRAYING the HEART of JESUS: “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” (Lk.6:12). This occurred immediately before choosing His twelve apostles. If the Son of God had to PRAY ALL NIGHT to the Father prior to making ministry decisions, we have no excuse to be lethargic in prayers. We must discover and imbibe the Master’s Praying Heart. Thereafter, Jesus continued to produce proof of the public power of private prayers, by ministering to, and healing “a great multitude of people” (vv.17-19).

One of the most striking qualities of the Lord’s Prayer Life was His regular habit of praying alone. The Gospels – Mark and Luke in particular, take note of Jesus going off frequently for private prayer.

Mark 1:35 reports: “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there HE PRAYED.” This private session followed an evening of phenomenal healings and deliverances: “At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons” (Mk.1:32-34a). Perhaps the Lord took this time off to thank the Father and to receive fresh unction to function. Not unexpected, His next move was for Kingdom advancement: “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth” (Mk.1:38b).

After the multiplication of loaves: “And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to PRAY” (Mk.6:46). The avalanche of miracles called for Thanksgiving and fresh release of Grace. Jesus never took divine release of Power for granted.

Before Peter’s profession of faith that Jesus is the Christ: “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?” (Lk. 9:18). This was a crucial moment that called for prayers!

Immediately 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” (Lk.9:28). This was a rehearsal prayer session before the Gethsemane encounter!

Before teaching the Lord’s Prayer: “Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples” (Lk.11:1). No wonder, the wordings of “the Lord’s Prayer” are not casual ideas, but downloaded fresh from the Father’s Heart to Model the prayer lives of generations of Believers.

Jesus teaches us His private prayer lifestyle: “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” (Mt. 6:5-6). Through such private prayers, we gain sensitivity to the workings of the Holy Spirit and become alert to God’s leadings and dealings.

Let’s imagine that as Jesus went out to pray by Himself, He quietly invited us to join Him in His secret place; picture Jesus at prayer. Where would His attention be? What would be the expression on His face or His posture? Then, when He finishes, let’s imagine being in a conversation with Him about our own prayer life, and what changes we’ll love to see take place.

In sum, the Prayer Life of our Lord Jesus Christ models the Public Power of Private Prayers!