But despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer. (Luke 5:15-16 NLT)
Jesus made it a point to go someplace where He could be by Himself to pray. His ministry was growing. His popularity was on the rise. People were coming to hear Him preach and to be healed. This was the start of a great ministry. But it was just the start. Jesus could have settled for the praise of the people. That was one of the Temptations Jesus faced in the wilderness after His baptism. He did not. His mission was greater and would take Him to the cross.
Jesus used prayer power to fulfill His purpose. He prayed on the night of His arrest. He prayed from the cross. He prayed for His Disciples. Jesus shows us that prayer is important.
Jesus' example is so clear. Why don't we follow it? It took me a long time to learn how important it is to spend time with the Lord every day, reading the Bible and praying. Studying the Bible for a sermon or to teach a class is not the same as reading it for myself. Praying in church, at a meeting, with someone in the hospital is not the same as personally talking with God. I need to make time to do that every day.
Since Jesus made time to be alone in prayer, we should try to do that to. Prayer can be power for our Christian lives.
Jesus made it a point to go someplace where He could be by Himself to pray. His ministry was growing. His popularity was on the rise. People were coming to hear Him preach and to be healed. This was the start of a great ministry. But it was just the start. Jesus could have settled for the praise of the people. That was one of the Temptations Jesus faced in the wilderness after His baptism. He did not. His mission was greater and would take Him to the cross.
Jesus used prayer power to fulfill His purpose. He prayed on the night of His arrest. He prayed from the cross. He prayed for His Disciples. Jesus shows us that prayer is important.
Jesus' example is so clear. Why don't we follow it? It took me a long time to learn how important it is to spend time with the Lord every day, reading the Bible and praying. Studying the Bible for a sermon or to teach a class is not the same as reading it for myself. Praying in church, at a meeting, with someone in the hospital is not the same as personally talking with God. I need to make time to do that every day.
Since Jesus made time to be alone in prayer, we should try to do that to. Prayer can be power for our Christian lives.
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