by Brad Bell

Now 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 whom He also named apostles. (Luke 6:12-13, NKJ)

Jesus prayed frequently and extensively, on the mountains and in the garden. The Gospels record many nights of prayer. This passage convicted me upon reading it this morning. When did I last give myself to an extended time of prayer, let alone praying all night? If the Son of Man gave himself to prayer before choosing the Apostles should I not also give myself to prayer, especially before making decisions?

In the business of life, it is easy to push prayer aside, justifying ourselves with the long list of things we need to do.

Yet, Jesus, in the midst of his busy ministry set aside time to pray. Should not I as well?

As I see Jesus pray in the Gospels, He never views it as a burden. Why should we be burdened by prayer? Rather, we should delight in the communion of prayer to the living God.

Jesus prayed and I need to as well.

Sweet hour of prayer, that calls me from a world of care, and bids me at my Father’s throne, make all my wants and wishes known.

W.W. Walford, 1845