“Jesus’ own life was an example of praying persistently.

At times, Jesus was up before dawn for extended prayer with the Father. “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).

On another occasion, He prayed the entire night through. “Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God” (Luke 6:12).

In addition to His rich private prayer life, Jesus prayed regularly in public as well. “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes…Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them… Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me”(Matthew 11:25; Luke 9:16; and John 11:41-42).

If Jesus, the Son of God prayed habitually, how clearly we are to do the same.

by Bob Hoekstra
Day by Day by Grace