Praying Through the Tough Decisions

“Now during those days he went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God.”

Yesterday, we were challenged concerning the true meaning of the Sabbath through both the teachings and demonstrations given by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Today we turn to the calling of the twelve apostles.

In verse twelve, Luke records that Jesus went to the mountain to be alone and pray before calling his close circle of followers. There are many times in Scripture that we find Jesus in solitude on the mountain in prayer, but Luke is the only Gospel writer to mention that Jesus prayed before calling the twelve. Not only did Jesus pray, but he also remained on the mountain all night.

Maybe there is a big decision you are facing this Lenten season. Maybe this decision has you feeling weighed down and you are not sure what to do. It is wonderful to know that we can escape and be alone with Jesus. It may not be on an actual mountaintop, but we serve a God that can help us find a secluded space wherever we are, and he will meet us there. He not only can sympathize with us but is praying on our behalf to the Father, guiding us towards the right path.

Jesus, the Son of Man, both fully human and fully divine, was committed to a life of prayer. In John 5:30, Jesus says, “I can do nothing on my own.” Every decision Jesus made was prayerful and intentional, seeking to remain in alignment with the will of the Father.

The twelve men Jesus was calling forth would be taken from among a crowd of many disciples. They would be known as apostles. In Greek, “apostolos” means one who is sent. The twelve would be sent out to announce the kingdom. They were given power to heal and cast out demons (Matthew 10:1). Jesus reminds us we do not have to make decisions on our own. We can invite him into all of the things we are praying through as decisions need to be made.

Lord Jesus, help me today to make the correct choice in accordance with your will. Amen.

CAMICE WATSON
Master of Christian Ministry Student
Waco, Texas