Written by: John Sernaque
Dear Reader,
Books / Pr - Prayer (2002) / Chapter 15—Jesus’ Example in Prayer
Chapter 15—Jesus’ Example in Prayer
Jesus Took Time for Prayer No Matter How Busy or Weary—Christ gave no stinted service. He did not measure His work by hours. His time, His heart, His soul and strength, were given to labor for the benefit of humanity. Through weary days He toiled, and through long nights He bent in prayer for grace and endurance that He might do a larger work. With strong crying and tears, He sent His petitions to heaven, that His human nature might be strengthened, that He might be braced to meet the wily foe in all his deceptive workings, and fortified to fulfill His missions of uplifting humanity. To His workers He says, “I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done.” John 13:15.—(Ministry of Healing, 500.) {Pr 174.4}
Jesus Prayed Early in the Morning—The early morning often found Him in some secluded place, meditating, searching the Scriptures, or in prayer. With the voice of singing, He welcomed the morning light. With songs of thanksgiving, He cheered His hours and brought heaven’s gladness to the toilworn and disheartened.—(Counsels on Health, 162.) {Pr 175.1}
Jesus Had Specific Places for Prayer—Have a place for secret prayer. Jesus had select places for communion with God, and so should we. We need often to retire to some spot, however humble, where we can be alone with God.—(Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 84.) {Pr 175.2}
Jesus Prayed on Our Account—Jesus was often weary from incessant toil and self-denial and self-sacrifice to bless the suffering and needy. He spent whole nights in prayer upon the lonely mountains, not because of His weakness and His necessities, but because He saw, He felt, the weakness of your natures to resist the temptations of the enemy upon the very points where you are now overcome. He knew that you would be indifferent in regard to your dangers and would not feel your need of prayer. It was on our account that He poured out His prayers to His Father with strong cries and tears.—(Testimonies for the Church 3:379.) {Pr 175.3}
Take heed to our Master’s example. Do not neglect your prayer life. Select your prayer closet and diligently seek God every morning. Do not go rushing off to work or school without spending time with God. Remember to pray for others who are vulnerable to Satan’s temptations. It was in prayer that Jesus braced Himself to meet the wily foe. How much more do we need to pray if Satan has the audacity to tempt Christ Jesus? We are merely child’s play to Satan. Pray for power from on High that you may overcome, as He overcame, that you would sin no more. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. John 13:15
Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name,
We come before You in the name of Jesus Christ. We thank You for being our great exemplar in all things, including in prayer. We thank You for giving us the privilege of being able to come into Your presence to speak with You and hear from You. For always taking the time to spend with us, no matter when we come to You. Even in the early hour of the day, You are there to hear our prayers. Even though we have sinned against You, You continue to fight for us. We are sorry and repent of our sins. We pray that You will help us overcome, even as You overcame, that we would sin no more. You have provided instruction to us that we should do as You have done. We thank You for Your example and pray that we may be able to help others do the same. Satan prowls around as a roaring lion and many go unaware and become indifferent to the danger of the temptations of the enemy. They do not feel the need for prayer. We pray that we may be an example unto them, as You have been to us. Help us to pray for these souls that they may be led by Your spirit to seek You first thing in the morning. As You prayed on our account, help us pray on their account to our Father with strong cries and tears. We pray that You continue to shine Your light upon us that we may reflect Your light unto this dark world. Anoint our heads with oil, and may our cup runneth over. We pray that we may be a blessing to the suffering and the needy, and may all the glory be to You. We thank You for hearing and answering our prayers, and it is in the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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