INTRODUCTION

1. Prayer in itself is a simple matter

2. Cultivating a Prayer Discipline

a) That is not easy

b) Few have such a discipline

3. Prayer was a core and integral part of the life of the Lord Jesus

a) He finds time to pray in the morning

b) He finds time to pray in the evening too

 

IMPORTANT INSIGHTS OF THE LORD’S PRAYER DISCIPLINE

32 At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed.

33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door.

34 Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases,

and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.

35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.

36 And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him.

37 When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.”

38 But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.”

39 And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons. Mark 1:32-39

1. The Lord Jesus had a very busy ministry

a) Preaching

b) Teaching

c) Healing

d) Casting out demons

2. He worked very hard

a) Starting in the morning

b) Working till sunset

c) He had a successful ministry

d) Many were reached

e) Demons were cast out

f) People were healed

3. His Ministry

a) It was time consuming

b) It was demanding

c) It was challenging

d) It was exhausting

4. The Lord Jesus always

a) Found time for prayer

b) Made time for prayer

c) Stayed committed to prayer

d) Nothing prevented Him from His communion with God in prayer

 

THE EARLY MORNING PRAYER DISCIPLINE

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight,

He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. Mark 1:35

1. In the morning

a) He arose a long while before daylight

b) He went out from the home

c) He departed to a solitary place

2. There He prayed

a) Nobody was there with Him

b) This was not a Prayer Meeting

c) The Disciples did not even know where He went

d) They had to search before they found Him

 

WHAT WERE SOME THINGS HE PRAYED ABOUT?

1. He would pray over His Mission from God

1 “Behold! My Servant whom I uphold,

My Elect One in whom My soul delights!

I have put My Spirit upon Him;

He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.

2 He will not cry out, nor raise His voice,

Nor cause His voice to be heard in the street.

3 A bruised reed He will not break,

And smoking flax He will not quench;

He will bring forth justice for truth.

4 He will not fail nor be discouraged,

Till He has established justice in the earth;

And the coastlands shall wait for His law.” Isaiah 42:1-4

2. God had given Him a tremendous task

a) As the Messiah-Servant

b) As the Elect of God

c) As One filled by the Spirit of God

3. The work of the Lord

a) They would have to be prayed for

b) The wisdom and strength must be found

c) Prayer would be of vital significance

 

OUR PROBLEM

1. Our focus is on Public Prayer

2. Our Prayers are often focussed on:

a) Our needs

b) Our personal problems

 

OUR CHALLENGE

1. To cultivate a personal prayer life

2. To follow the example of the Lord Jesus closely

3. It takes many years to cultivate such a prayer discipline