Title: The Reason Why I Pray
Text:
Luke 3:21-22 (HCSB)
21 When all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized. As He was praying, heaven opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a physical appearance like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: You are My beloved Son. I take delight in You!
Observation:
In today's passage Luke records the first occurrence of Jesus praying. At the most important event in his life and ministry on earth Luke records Jesus turning to prayer. This tells us how much Jesus depended upon prayer. If Jesus needed to pray in his life then certainly we need to pray.
The life of Jesus gives us a wonderful role model of what obedience to God looks like. In this passage we see Jesus being baptized and praying; both are acts of obedience to his heavenly Father.
When Jesus prayed, the Bible says, "As He was praying, heaven opened". What an awesome sight and affirmation that must have been for Jesus. While he was praying Jesus experienced the appearance and approval of the divine Godhead. Jesus experienced the power of the Holy Spirit and the approval and favor of God the Father.
Why would you do anything in your life without prayer? Jesus didn't, and neither should we. There is nothing that you need in your life and your ministry that heaven can't supply. You hold the key to the storehouse in your hands. Why not use it by taking everything to God in prayer?
Philippians 4:6 (MSG)
Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.
Prayer:
Father God, my dear Father, I praise you for your grace and generosity. Father, I thank you for the open invitation to bring all of our needs and our concerns to you in prayer. Lord, may I learn to be obedient like Jesus by meeting you in prayer as my first option.
Father, open our eyes that we might see how much we forfeit when we fail to pray. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
"What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!"
Joseph M. Scriven (1855)
--
Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
4 But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
8 Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.
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