What Jesus Did! 'The Importance of Prayer' — Luke 6:12-13

Thursday, March 23, 2023

One day soon [after healing the man with the deformed hand,] Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles. Here are their names:...
— Luke 6:12-13 NLT

Key Thought

Few events were more important in Jesus' ministry than his selection of apostles. How would Jesus select twelve from the mob that followed him? These men would have to be the initial leaders in a movement that would change the world. Could he actually find twelve who could do that? Jesus knew what was in the hearts of people. Would anyone be able to stand up to the challenges that he would have to face as one of Jesus' chosen twelve? Jesus withdrew to the mountains to be alone with God and pray as he faced this momentous decision. He didn't choose twelve and then ask God to bless his choice. No, he spent the night in prayer before he chose the twelve. When faced with decisions, whether they appear important or not, we need to follow the example of our Lord!

Today's Prayer

Holy and loving Father, stir my heart with a deeper yearning for prayer. I need your guidance every day, so please dear Lord, bless me with the discipline of daily fervent prayer. Particularly in those times when I face very hard decisions, have your Holy Spirit stir my spirit with a longing to come into your presence and find my guidance and peace in you. In Jesus' name, and because of Jesus' example, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Spurgeon PM Devo for Nov. 12th
Devo: Morning & Evening
"If ever one of woman born might have lived without prayer, it was our spotless, perfect a Lord, and yet none was ever so much in supplication as he!....."
My Plan to Train and Teach!
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, Leadership and choosing leaders are very important in any group, but especially among My followers. Please notice two things of great...."
How Great the Father's Love!
Article by Sarah Stirman
Does any of the Father's love splash over and touch the people in your family? Overhearing a questioning about loving children enough gets Sarah thinking about the need for meaningful touch, focused listening, and hanging around together.

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 6:12-13 NLT — Here are their names:...

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, March 23, 2023

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Habakkuk 3:6
"What he hath done at one time, he will do yet again. Man's ways are variable, but God's ways are everlasting. There are many reasons for this most..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Rivers of Living Water Now Flowing' (Jn. 7:37-39)
"On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, "Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by W. T. Purkiser:
"Nothing takes God by surprise. He knows the future and can therefore guide us through its trackless ways."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'You Made Endurance Possible!' (Co. 1:23)
"Dear Father, Help me to continue in the faith by holding on to what you have given and by being stable and steadfast. Don't let anything move me away..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!