Day 36 of 40 Following the Prayer Steps of Jesus

Today is the 36th day of Lent, a 40 day season of spiritual reflection, repentance, and renewal.  During these 40 days we’ll explore the prayer life of Jesus, walking chronologically through every mention of Jesus’ prayer life and prayers in the Gospels.

For about ten years, my family has gathered at the same house with (mostly) the same couples for New Year’s Eve.  We eat finger-foods, play board games, and bring in the New Year with some non-alcoholic champagne, sparklers, and small fireworks.  It’s become a tradition—a meaningful way to mark a significant event. 

In fact, it’s one of many traditions in our family.  For example, at Christmas the kids always open one present on Christmas Eve and the rest on Christmas morning.  On the last Saturday of summer break, we used to always visit Libertyland—a local amusement park (until it went bankrupt).  Each November and December our family donates food and toys to those in need.  When a good report card comes in, we all go out to eat to celebrate. 

Not only do we as individuals and families seek out meaningful ways to mark significant events, but we as cities, states, and nations do as well.  Few cities mark Martin Luther King, Jr. Day or the anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death like Memphis, TN.  The United States marks July 4 with enormous fireworks displays.  And most nations have some form of New Year’s Eve celebration.

Given our tendency to mark significant moments in time, it is interesting to watch how Jesus did the same.  At key events in his ministry, Jesus consistently and intentionally marked the moment.  And time and time again, Jesus marked it in the same way:

1. After his baptism: 21Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying… (Lk. 3:21 ESV).
2. Prior to the choosing of the Twelve: 12In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. 13And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve… (Lk. 6:12-13 ESV).
3. Prior to Peter’s confession: 18 Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” (Lk. 9:18 ESV).
4. At the Transfiguration: 29And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. (Lk. 9:29 ESV).
5. At the Lord’s Supper: Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” (Matthew 26:26 ESV)
6. In Gethsemane: 41And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. (Lk. 22:41-42 ESV).
7. On the cross:

• 34And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Lk. 23:34 ESV).
• My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Matt. 27:46; Mk. 15:34) 
• Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. (Lk. 23:46)
• After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” (John 19:28 ESV).
• When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:30 ESV).

Jesus regularly marked the most important moments of his life with prayer.  For Jesus, these events were to be experienced together with the Father.  These events sometimes originated in conversation with the Father–the prayer prompted the event.  At other times, it was only his prayer that enabled him to endure the moment.

What are the key moments in your life?  You city’s life?  Your state’s life?  Your country’s life?  Your world’s life?  How might you mark those moments with prayer?

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