Praying Habitually: Luke 22:39
“39) And He came out and proceeded as was His custom to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples also followed Him.” Luke 22:39
This verse tells the tragic story of how Judas exploited the prayer life of Jesus to betray Him. It was His habit, custom or practice every night when staying near the Jerusalem to go to the Mount of Olives for prayer. This discipline was so consistent that His whereabouts became predictable.
We also discover from this context that Satan aims at interrupting and distracting times of prayer. The disciples were overcome by sleep rather than watching and praying. Judas and the mob interrupted Jesus while He was praying.
Do you struggle with focus while trying to pray? Does your mind wander? Are you suddenly overwhelmed with thoughts of the many other things on your “to do list?” Do you find yourself suddenly dwelling on hurts, anger or bitterness toward others rather than focussing on prayer? Does your mind slip into daydreams or fantasy? Are you suddenly overcome with distractions?
These things are not coincidental. The enemy is trying to derail your prayer life. This is spiritual warfare! I just described what Judas and his mob might look like in your life and my life.
It took me years to build an effectual prayer life. I would often seek out prayer meetings or invite others to join me for morning prayer times. Why? It helped me stay consistent and focused while praying. I learned much about prayer by being around seasoned prayer warriors.
According to Ephesians 6:18-19, prayer is the long distance weapon in spiritual warfare. The sword of the Spirit is for hand to hand combat. Praying in the Spirit is like a spear, javelin, arrow or missile. Effectual praying is not limited to time or space. Prayer defies geographical limits.
Make no mistake, engaging in fervent prayer is entering into the heart of the battle. If the enemy is attacking your prayer life it’s because you have become a threat to him. Double down and focus on developing your prayer life!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“39) And He came out and proceeded as was His custom to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples also followed Him.” Luke 22:39
This verse tells the tragic story of how Judas exploited the prayer life of Jesus to betray Him. It was His habit, custom or practice every night when staying near the Jerusalem to go to the Mount of Olives for prayer. This discipline was so consistent that His whereabouts became predictable.
We also discover from this context that Satan aims at interrupting and distracting times of prayer. The disciples were overcome by sleep rather than watching and praying. Judas and the mob interrupted Jesus while He was praying.
Do you struggle with focus while trying to pray? Does your mind wander? Are you suddenly overwhelmed with thoughts of the many other things on your “to do list?” Do you find yourself suddenly dwelling on hurts, anger or bitterness toward others rather than focussing on prayer? Does your mind slip into daydreams or fantasy? Are you suddenly overcome with distractions?
These things are not coincidental. The enemy is trying to derail your prayer life. This is spiritual warfare! I just described what Judas and his mob might look like in your life and my life.
It took me years to build an effectual prayer life. I would often seek out prayer meetings or invite others to join me for morning prayer times. Why? It helped me stay consistent and focused while praying. I learned much about prayer by being around seasoned prayer warriors.
According to Ephesians 6:18-19, prayer is the long distance weapon in spiritual warfare. The sword of the Spirit is for hand to hand combat. Praying in the Spirit is like a spear, javelin, arrow or missile. Effectual praying is not limited to time or space. Prayer defies geographical limits.
Make no mistake, engaging in fervent prayer is entering into the heart of the battle. If the enemy is attacking your prayer life it’s because you have become a threat to him. Double down and focus on developing your prayer life!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
