“And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a
       mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” 
              — Luke 6:12

If ever one of woman born might have lived without prayer, it was our
spotless, perfect a Lord, and yet none was ever so much in supplication
as he! Such was his love to his Father, that he loved much to be in
communion with him: such his love for his people, that he desired to be
much in intercession for them. The fact of this eminent prayerfulness
of Jesus is a lesson for us-he hath given us an example that we may
follow in his steps. The time he chose was admirable, it was the hour
of silence, when the crowd would not disturb him; the time of inaction,
when all but himself had ceased to labour; and the season when slumber
made men forget their woes, and cease their applications to him for
relief. While others found rest in sleep, he refreshed himself with
prayer. The place was also well selected. He was alone where none would
intrude, where none could observe: thus was he free from Pharisaic
ostentation and vulgar interruption. Those dark and silent hills were a
fit oratory for the Son of God. Heaven and earth in midnight stillness
heard the groans and sighs of the mysterious Being in whom both worlds
were blended. The continuance of his pleadings is remarkable; the long
watches were not too long; the cold wind did not chill his devotions;
the grim darkness did not darken his faith, or loneliness check his
importunity. We cannot watch with him one hour, but he watched for us
whole nights. The occasion for this prayer is notable; it was after his
enemies had been enraged-prayer was his refuge and solace; it was
before he sent forth the twelve apostles-prayer was the gate of his
enterprise, the herald of his new work. Should we not learn from Jesus
to resort to special prayer when we are under peculiar trial, or
contemplate fresh endeavours for the Master’s glory? Lord Jesus, teach
us to pray.

On this day...

• Acts 7 - 2024
• Acts 6 - 2024
• Erastianism - 2011
• Thomas Erastus - 2011
• The Sum of Saving Knowledge - 2011
• Conversion of Robert Murray McCheyne - 2011
• Daily Bread, being a calendar for reading through the Word of God in a year - 2011
• Robert Murray M'Cheyne - 2011
• Isaiah 45:11-13 - 2011
• Feelings do not dictate reality. - 2010