What Jesus Did! 'Insights from Times of Prayer!' — Luke 9:18-19

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

One day Jesus left the crowds to pray alone. Only his disciples were with him, and he asked them, "Who do people say I am?"

"Well," they replied, "some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other ancient prophets risen from the dead."

— Luke 9:18-19 NLT

Key Thought

The Gospel of Luke reminds us that so many of the great moments of Jesus' life and ministry were tied to prayer. Sometime soon, get a specially colored highlighter and read the Gospel of Luke and mark every time prayer occurs or is the subject of Jesus' teaching. Then go back and make a list of key events tied to those prayer sessions. You will be amazed at how important prayer was to the unfolding salvation offered through Jesus' ministry and later sacrifice. Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah, [1] followed this prayer time in today's verses and the subsequent discussion. This story is just another one of the Holy Spirit's reminders that fresh insights for life, faith, and our faithfulness often occur during our times of prayer. This type of insight was true for Jesus and his disciples, and it will no doubt be true for us also.

[1] Luke 9:20.

Today's Prayer

Father in heaven, God Almighty, thank you for providing me the great avenue and opportunity of prayer. To know that you listen to my words, my thoughts, and my heart is simply overwhelming. Help me hunger more for these special times in your presence. Give me wisdom and understanding as I pray and seek your will. Do your will in my life as I seek your presence. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • James 1:5-6
  • Acts 4:31
  • Romans 8:26-27

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 9:18-19 NLT — "some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other ancient prophets risen from the dead."

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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.

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