IMPORTANT EXAMPLE

The Lord prayed often and on all kinds of occasions, from blessing little children to bringing His friend Lazarus back from the dead. But look with me at the most important example Christ gave us in His prayer life...His secret time alone with the Heavenly Father! Think on these two questions briefly: Simply, when and where?

As to the matter of time of day, the evening (Matthew 14:23,24), night (Matthew 26:34) in Gethsemane and early morning (Mark 1:35....a great while before day.") as specifically indicated. I don't think it's accidental that the Scriptures speak of the Lord Jesus in earnest times of prayer in connection with notable occasions. If you look closely you will find these precious prayer times of the Saviour between great events in His ministry.

Consider the feeding of the five thousand and the walk Jesus took on the water. Both Matthew and Mark specifically speak of Him going up into a mountain apart to pray alone. (Matthew 14:23, Mark 6:46). And there are other particular instances of that quiet time (it almost seems trivial to speak of the Great Saviour's prayer time as "quiet time", doesn't it?); before He preaches, before arriving in a town to minister and before important conversations with His disciples. The agonizing sessions of prayer our Lord had in the garden of Gethsemane reveal a great deal under scrutiny. The time - night-time; the occasion - His betrayal and arrest.

WHERE THE MASTER PRAYED

Concerning our remaining question of where? There are wonderful passages from the Word available to us which answer. Matthew 14:23 "...He went up into a mountain apart to pray." Matthew 26:36 In Gethsemane Jesus said, "Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder." Then in verse 39, "and He went a little further, and fell on His face and prayed..." Mark 1:35 "...He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed." Look deeper into the passage in verses 36-37, His disciples had to search for Him to find Him because He had retreated to the secret place!

QUITE BEAUTIFUL PLACES OF PRAYER

Also I would have you notice that these places of prayer, set apart, were probably quite beautiful. The Creator who became flesh, surely knew the loveliest places on the planet. I think He chose His favorites that were close and secluded for special places at secret prayer with the Father. Remember how Jesus seemed to go to the mountains to pray? And surely it was no coincidence that the last place He chose to be before the horrors of His trial and execution was a garden.

Make your first appointment every day with your Heavenly Father. The rest of the day's appointments will hinge on this one. And see to it that you meet the Lord in that special, secluded, solitary, secret place. Just you and Him alone....with no intrusions.

Rev. Mark Martin - Prophet to the nations travels extensively preaching in many countries throughout the world. He is Minister of Evangelism at the Roaring Fork Baptist Church in Gatlinburg, TN. You may contact him by email: GoPreach@webtv.net