Mark 6:45-47 “Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land.”

Luke 6:12 “In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God”

Context:

Jesus had just performed a great miracle of feeding 5000. John 6:14-15 reports that the crowds intended “to make him king by force.” His kingship was spiritual not political.  Jesus accepted the title King of Israel (John 1:49), but rejected  Satan’s offer (Matthew 4:4-8) and the misguided efforts of the people. Jesus knew the Son of Man would suffer many things…and be killed and after three days rise again (Mark 8:31). However, that was according to God’s timetable and by God’s methods. Perhaps during the all-night prayer time, Jesus reflected on his own calling to be the Savior of the world and the potential distractions and obstacles that could easily derail God’s ultimate plan.

Questions for Reflection:

  1. How do you feel when you are alone? Why?
  2. If someone asked you to describe what your prayer life looked like, then what would you say?
  3. What encourages you or discourages you from Jesus’ example in this passage?

Prayer Pointers:

  • Invite the Holy Spirit to be present with you when you sit down to pray
  • What personal mission or vocation in life have you received from God?
  • If you are in transition, or unclear, or confused, ask the Lord to provide clarity about the direction of your life