Jesus Prayed

Thistlebend Quiet eMoment

by Laurie Aker

Focus Scripture: Luke 9:18-22 ESV

18 Now it happened that as he was praying alone,
the disciples were with him.
And he asked them,”Who do the crowds say that I am?”
19 And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah,
and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.”
20 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”
21 And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one,
22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things
and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes,
and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”
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Before Jesus asked the disciples,
“Who do the crowds say that I am?”
He was praying.

All throughout the Gospels we see Jesus
taking time with His Father in prayer…
going away to a desolate place,
or up on a mountain, lifting His eyes to His Father,
or going to a certain place.

One commentator on Luke says:
“Prior to major events in Luke’s Gospel where Jesus’
identity, character, and purpose are revealed,
we see Jesus take time in prayer with His Father.”

Jesus was praying at His baptism and then
the Holy Spirit led Him into the wilderness
for 40 days and 40 nights to fast and pray
before He began His earthly ministry.

Jesus went up on the mountain
and spent the entire night in prayer
before He appointed the apostles.

We can trace His faithfulness in prayer and His communion with
His Father as He appoints, tends, and shepherds His flock of 12.
After the feeding of the five thousand and while the disciples
were out at sea in the midst of a storm
Jesus was up on the mountain in prayer throughout the night.

And now as Jesus prepares to tell them that He is the Christ,
the Lamb of God, the One who is going
to lay down His life for them, He prays.

TAKING THE TRUTH TO HEART

I see a picture of a shepherd that deeply and dearly loves His
sheep and labors diligently and fervently for them in prayer.
He loves them as His own children.

Praying that they would fully comprehend that
He was truly sent from the Father.

Praying that they would know that He was the Christ,
the Promised One sent from God.

Praying that they would understand Him and His purpose.

Praying that they would truly have faith to see
that no matter what came their way
they had no reason to fear.

Praying that they would remember
what they had been taught in the Scriptures
and see Him more and more for who He is
and be willing to die to self and live for Him.

Even in His prayer life,
Jesus was truly the Servant of the Lord
that Isaiah had prophesied He would be.

Isaiah 50:4-6
4 The Lord God has given me
the tongue of those who are taught,
that I may know how to sustain with a word
him who is weary.
Morning by morning he awakens;
he awakens my ear
to hear as those who are taught.
5 The Lord God has opened my ear,
and I was not rebellious;
I turned not backward.
6 I gave my back to those who strike,
and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard;
I hid not my face
from disgrace and spitting.

AND BRINGING IT TO LIFE

Chose one truth from today and apply it to your heart.
Take it with you throughout the day.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank you for interceding for us at all times.
We need your prayers that we would see you
for who you are and what you have done.

Help us to pray for those
whom you have given to us to love and care for
so that we can love them and pray for them
as you love and pray for us.

In His hands for His glory,

Laurie

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