Jesus Prayed

It is interesting that Jesus prayed often even though He was God Himself. He found it helpful and important to spend time in prayer with the Father.

Note Mark 1:35, where Jesus had been busy the night before healing and casting out demons: "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 was a common practice for Jesus.

In Matthew 6, Jesus gave His disciples for all time the Lord's Prayer, teaching us some good things to pray for. Then in John 17 we have a prayer of Jesus shortly before His death. "Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: 'Father, the hour has come...' "

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was with the Apostles, took with Him Peter, James and John and went off to pray. He separated Himself completely and said to God, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." In good and hard times, Jesus made it a point to pray. These are just a few examples; there are lots more.

Let us follow this great example of our Lord. He kept the relationship strong with the Father in prayer; we can do that. He found strength in times of stress; so can we. He didn't mind asking for deliverance in time of need; that can be us. And He prayed for His friends to be OK. "Ask and you shall receive...."

Thanks for reading. Have a great week!