“Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit” Lk 18:1 MSG
Jesus was a man of prayer from the river to the garden. He often withdrew from the crowds to spend time seeking God alone. As we follow his prayer habit through the Gospel of Luke we can learn some of the secrets behind his remarkable life.
1. The place of power. The more demand was that placed upon him for miracles and healings, the more Jesus resorted to private prayer times. “Great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” Lk 5:15-16
2. The place of direction. Jesus always made the right choices. Spending time with God allowed him to walk in godly wisdom continually. “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…” Lk 6:12-13
3. The place of destiny. Jesus was the first to be ‘purpose-driven’. He never wasted a minute doing anything that lay outside of his destiny. “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 9:18-22
4. The place of transformation. Prayer positioned Jesus for God’s presence and power to transform him. “He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered.” Lk 9:28-31
5. The place of understanding. Jesus delivered his most powerful teachings after spending time in 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.”‘ Lk 11:1-4
6. The place of passion. Jesus faced daunting opposition from those who wished him dead. But his uncompromising zeal was fueled by his time with God. “Jesus told his disciples a story about how they should keep on praying and never give up.” Lk 18:1 CEV
7. The place of obedience. It was his complete surrender that enabled God to use Jesus so powerfully. He laid it all down in prayer. “He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Lk 22:41-44
