This post is part of a 40-day journey following Jesus in his prayer life. We’ll explore virtually every reference in the Gospels to Jesus and prayer. For a more in-depth treatment, see my book Prayers from the Pit.
“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?’ And they answered, ‘John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.’ Then he said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ And Peter answered, ‘The Christ of God’”(Luke 9:18-20 ESV).
Notice the sequence of events. Jesus is praying. The disciples, including Peter, are nearby. Then Peter confesses his belief that Jesus is the Christ of God. Could it be that Peter saw or heard something in Jesus’ prayer which then led to his confession? Perhaps this prayer (or others like it) which Peter either observed or overheard became a tipping point that led Peter to finally understand Jesus’ distinctiveness. By observing Jesus’ invocation, Peter gained insight into Jesus’ identity.
What does Jesus’ prayer-life reveal to you about him? As you watch and listen to Jesus pray, what would your confession be?
What does your prayer-life reveal about you? What conclusions would someone draw about you if they could watch or listen to you pray?
