Luke 6:12

If ever anyone born of a woman might have lived without prayer, it was our spotless, perfect Lord; and yet, no one was ever in supplication as much as he! Such was his love for his Father that he greatly loved to be in communion with him; such was his love for his people that he greatly desired to be in intercession for them.

The fact of this eminent prayerfulness of Jesus is a lesson for us—he has 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 labor; and the season when slumber made men forget their woes and cease their requests 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 no one would intrude, where no one could observe; thus he was 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, nor loneliness checked 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 endeavors for the Master’s glory? Lord Jesus, teach us to pray.