In this final piece on the prayer life of Jesus, we examine the many times He took time off from His busy schedule and withdrew to secluded corners where He spent time with the Father in prayer.
This example is significant for all in the ministry. We are not just called to be involved in ministry on a mechanical basis, i.e., to do what we know best, but rather to have everything we do fully sanctioned by the Lord. This position can only be possible as we seek him daily for His leading and guidance on all we do.
Unhindered Commitment To Prayer
The intensity of His prayer and resulting effects can be seen in Hebrews 5:7-10.
“While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death.
And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.
In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him. And God designated him to be a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.”
Unrestricted to Prayer
Dr. Luke (Lk 5:16) told us, “Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.” During His daily ministry, dealing with literally thousands of people who would flock to Him for healing, deliverance, and oftentimes, fish and bread, he needed to recharge His spiritual capacity by seeking the Father in constant prayer.
Lk 4:18 is a valid indication of His resilience and commitment to prayer. He does nothing without bringing it to the Father in prayer. “One day, Jesus left the crowds to pray alone. Only his disciples were with him, and he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”
Unwavering Intimacy
Further, He instructed His disciples to be watchful. Luke 21:36-37 “Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.Every day, Jesus went to the Temple to teach, and each evening he returned to spend the night on the Mount of Olives.” It is interesting to note that the nights on the Mount of Olives were a precious time of prayer encounter with the Father.
Matthew 14:23-25 “After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water.”
Unending Intercession
In addition to His daily prayer, Jesus also had some all-night prayer sessions, particularly when critical situations developed for which He needed to consult with the Father and to seek His guidance.
Luke 6:12-13 explains the nature of such demands. “One day soon afterwards, Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. At daybreak, He called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles. Here are their names.”
In this context, Jesus was about to select His twelve disciples. From His standpoint, this decision could not be a random selection but rather careful consideration.
Unbridled Intercession
Perhaps, the most powerful example of the intensity of His prayer life is recorded in Hebrews 7:25 “Therefore, he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.” This verse answers the question of His current ministry.
He is constantly making intercession to God for those who have committed themselves to God through Him. He has been in this ministry for the past two thousand years and will continue to do so until His return.
