HOLY WEEK READING & MEDITATION
This day of Holy Week could be called, “The Day the Son Stood Still.” The reason is that, in Mark’s Gospel we have no record of what took place on this day. Since the Gospels are eyewitness account, Jesus may have “withdrawn” for the disciples for all or part of that day. And, throughout scripture Jesus is shown frequently leaving the adoring crowds, going into quiet places to spend time in prayer before God the Father.
The prayer life of Jesus is one of the most under-noticed features in the life of Christ. We preach and teach about His parables, His sinless life, His death, His burial, His resurrection, and His ascension, not realizing that Jesus prayer life was a key to it all. Jesus began His earthly ministry with forty days of prayer and fasting in the wilderness. He spent the night in prayer before calling His disciples. And, before He went to the Cross, He agonized in prayer at the Garden of Gethsemane.
And…the disciples could tell the difference. One day in Luke 11 they came to Him with one request, “Lord, teach us to pray.” Notice they did not request to be taught to preach, tell parables, or do miracles. The disciples knew the key to it all was prayer. As you read today, ask God to teach you to pray.
Luke 6:12
“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.”
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