TEXT:
‘One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”’ (Luke 11:1 NIV)
Luke’s gospel records seven occasions when Jesus prayed. Today’s Teaching is studying each one to see why Jesus prayed and what was the result, so we can safely imitate them and enjoy a more successful prayer life!
In Part 1, we studied how Jesus prayed and received the baptism in the Holy Spirit, which enabled Him to commence His public ministry. He saw miraculous healings and deliverances, which attracted multitudes. He often withdrew to the wilderness to pray and that helped Him guard against pride and becoming self-reliant.
Today’s Teaching considers two more occasions when Jesus prayed.
3. In decision-making – ‘One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles’ (Luke 6:12-13 NLT)
A. The danger of rushed decisions
Jesus prayed all night before He chose the twelve disciples. The Bible says, ‘Don’t appoint people to church leadership positions too hastily’ (1 Timothy 5:22 MSG). A line taken from an old play says, “Marry in haste, repent at leisure” (W. Congreve’s 1693 play, The Old Batchelour). In today’s world when everything is fast, it pays sometimes to take things slowly, ‘Plan carefully and you will have plenty; if you act too quickly, you will never have enough’ (Proverbs 21:5 GNT).
B. It’s difficult choosing a few when there’s many to choose from
Jesus called together all His disciples and then named the twelve He had chosen. Many of those disappointed that Jesus had not chosen them, were sent out in a later group of seventy (See Luke 10:1). If you are not first choice, stay faithful and your turn will come. Faithfulness is one of the key characteristics to display when anyone has a desire for service and leadership.
C. The greater the number, the harder it is to maintain unity
The disciples were in one accord, praying in the Upper Room (Acts 1:14). This unity continued even when three thousand became believers, ’All the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common’ (Acts 2:44 MSG). However, as the church continued to multiply, complaints of division and neglect surfaced (See Acts 6:1).
There are only two in a marriage and it can take a lot of effort to maintain love and harmony. A family is a minimum of three and that demands more love and understanding. Some homegroups and churches don’t want to grow because they fear their unity and friendships will be spoiled. The key is, pray! If all those in the church are praying, unity will not be a problem The Bible says, ‘Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace’ (Ephesians 4:3 NLT). Problems can always be solved where there are prayer-driven believers.
D. Let God’s peace be the deciding factor in decision-making – ‘Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always]’ (Colossians 3:15 AMP).
What may look right, may not be right as Samuel discovered, ‘When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”’ (1 Samuel 16:6-7 NLT). People may look the part and talk the talk, but something doesn’t feel right. Let God’s peace help you make the right decision.
E. Continue to pray once the decision has been made
Jesus was praying for His disciples just hours before His greatest trial (See John 17:9, 12, 15). How wonderful to still pray for others, even when we’re in need ourselves. Jesus chose Peter but later prayed for him to overcome the failure of denial (See Luke 22:31-34). Jesus didn’t condemn but prayed for Peter to overcome and strengthen others. Jesus prays for us, ‘I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message’ (John 17:20 NLT).
4. Evangelism – ‘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?” So they answered and said, “John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am? Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.”’ (Luke 9:18-20).
The greatest joy is helping people to believe in Jesus. We share in the joy of heaven. Jesus was thrilled over Peter’s revelation. I wonder how long Jesus had been waiting before He asked them this question, but the key is, He was praying! Prayer and evangelism go hand in hand. Prayer for boldness, wisdom and timing. ‘So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields’ (Matthew 9:38 NLT).
People searching for the truth are often praying too. Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:11), Cornelius (Acts 10:30) and Lydia (Acts 16:13-14) were all praying before they became Christians.
In many churches the evangelistic gospel has been replaced with social care. Keep the main point, the main point! Don’t let fear and excuses stop evangelism. Paul said, ‘Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel’ (1 Corinthians 9:16). Jesus said Christians are the light of the world. We’re to shine so the lost can see and believe.
In Part 3 we shall more instances when Jesus prayed!
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