PRAYING ALL NIGHT

PRAYING ALL NIGHT

Luke 6:12

“And it came to pass in those days that he went out into mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God” (Luke 6:12).

Our text is a great exhortation to pray and a great rebuke of our poor prayer habits.

FIRST—THE PURPOSE OF PRAYER

“In those days.” There was at least two important reasons why Christ prayed here.

• To calm the soul. Prior to this time of prayer, Christ had had a very busy schedule and many trying experiences. Everywhere Christ went He brought abundant blessing, yet in spite of this, He was constantly sneered and jeered and His life was continually being threatened. Needless to say anyone experiencing this needed to be calmed in his soul. A medical doctor, speaking before the British Medical Associate some years ago said “The best medicine which my practice has discovered is prayer … Prayer must be regarded as the most adequate and normal calmer of the mind and nerves … I would undoubtedly give the first place to the simple habit of prayer.” Prayer is a great help in time of trouble. Nothing will calm the soul of man like prayer.

• To choose the disciples. Another reason for Christ taking time to pray was the fact that right after this session of prayer He chose the twelve disciples. This was a very important decision. Many of our troubles come because we made a lousy decision. Perhaps if we had spent more time in pray about the decision, we would not have made such a blunderous decision. Before you make a big decision in your life, spend a good deal in time in prayer to help you make the right and wise decision.

SECOND—THE PLACE OF PRAYER

“He went out into a mountain to pray.” To have an effective time of pray we need to get alone with God in some place where the distractions are at a minimum. Not everyone can go to a mountain to pray or even have a private place to pray. I remember reading of a maid who had little opportunity to get away for prayer so she should just throw her apron over her head and pray. It put her in a place alone with God with a minimum of distractions. Some have their closet in the haymow of a barn. It is true you can pray anywhere, but it will help you immensely to have a place, a closet, (Matthew 6:6) to get away from it all, for a good session of prayer.

THIRD—THE PERIOD OF PRAYER

“All night.” We all do not pray as much as we should. You may not pray all night, but if there are not times in which you spend considerable time in prayer, you may need a spiritual revival.

FOURTH—THE PERSON FOR PRAYER

“To God.” There is nothing in the Scripture to encourage to pray to anyone but God. Mary and other saints cannot hear us to help us. Why pray to them? Pray your prayers to God Who can help you.