Evening, November 12
Go To Morning Reading
“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 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.