Chapter 159—Whole Nights of Prayer
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
.
The Majesty of heaven, while engaged in His earthly ministry, prayed
much to His Father. He was frequently bowed all night in prayer.... The
Mount of Olives was the favorite resort of the Son of God for His devotions.
Frequently after the multitude had left Him for the retirement of the night,
He rested not, though weary with the labors of the day.... While the city was
hushed in silence, and the disciples had returned to their homes to obtain
refreshment in sleep, Jesus slept not. His divine pleadings were ascending to
His Father from the Mount of Olives that His disciples might be kept from
the evil influences which they would daily encounter in the world, and that
His own soul might be strengthened and braced for the duties and trials of the
coming day. All night, while His followers were sleeping, was their divine
Teacher praying. The dew and the frost of night fell upon His head bowed in
prayer. His example is left for His followers....
He chose the stillness of night, when there would be no interruption.
Jesus could heal the sick and raise the dead. He was Himself a source of
blessing and strength. He commanded even the tempests, and they obeyed
Him. He was unsullied with corruption, a stranger to sin; yet He prayed, and
that often with strong crying and tears. He prayed for His disciples and for
Himself, thus identifying Himself with our needs, our weaknesses, and our
failings, which are so common with humanity. He was a mighty petitioner,
not possessing the passions of our human, fallen natures, but compassed with
like infirmities, tempted in all points even as we are. Jesus endured agony
which required help and support from His Father.
Christ is our example. Are the ministers of Christ tempted and fiercely
buffeted by Satan? so also was He who knew no sin. He turned to His Father
in these hours of distress. He came to earth that He might provide a way
whereby we could find grace and strength to help in every time of need, by
following His example in frequent, earnest prayer.
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