In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God Luke 6:12
When was the last time you were up all night? I can count on both hands when I was. The first time was prom night, and afterwards a group of us went out to breakfast at an all night diner and watched the sunrise. It was bittersweet because we knew we each now had different paths. I’ve been up all night with a sick child, or by the hospital bedside of someone who just had surgery. There have been a few times I was up all night (or almost) tossing and turning because I couldn’t sleep. Worry or angst over something wouldn’t release itself from my brain. A few times pain has kept me from sleeping. But praying all night?
This passage in Luke’s Gospel says Jesus went out to pray. In other words, He physically removed Himself from others. He sought solitude. He wanted an undisturbed conversation with His Father because He knew the next day He’d choose his apostles and start his ministry in earnest.
He went out to the mountain. He exerted effort. He took action. He didn’t let the butterflies take control in his stomach, or let the vise grip of worry clamp onto his head. He went to the source of His strength, and His peace. Like we take our cars to the gas station before a road trip, He went to refuel His spirit for what laid ahead.
Once when on a women’s retreat, we all had a gift on our pillows when we arrived at the cabin. It was a piece of candy and a card. Mine said, “Sleep well. I am in control. – GOD.” Another woman’s said, “Give it to Me, I’ll be up all night anyway. – GOD.” I still have mine framed by my clock radio. If I awaken in the night and crane my head to see the time, I see that card. Even in the dark, I know what it says and it gives me comfort. Do you have a Bible verse or message which gives you comfort when you are in the dark – physically or figuratively?
Today, Jesus is always praying for us all night. He intercedes for us in Heaven, 24/7/365. Hebrews 7:25 states, “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
Perhaps that night with His Father he wasn’t so much praying for Himself as He was for the apostles He’d choose and the people who’d hear His words. Tonight, tomorrow night and for all your days and nights, He lives to intercede for you. Give it all to Him- He is up all night anyway.
Questions: What keep you up at night? Does it help to know Jesus is up all night praying for you? What if you spent the time praying instead of worrying?
