PRAYER

PRAYER & STRENGTH

“And after He had sent the multitudes away, He went up to the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.” Matt. 14:23

In nothing in the perfection of the humanity of our Lord more strikingly seen than in the constant resort to the practice of fellowship with His Father in prayer. Essential human nature needs that practice for its sustenance. Apart from it, it must falter and fail. This our Lord knew, and therefore constantly observed it. Thus the practice is the sign, not of the weakness of the human in Him, but of the full and perfect strength. Neglect of prayer is at once a source and sign of weakness. Surely we need to remind ourselves constantly of this fact as demonstrated in the life of our Lord. Having become our Savior and Lord, He is our pattern, our Role Model. If then He found the necessity for such times of communion with His Father, apart, alone, how can we hope to live our lives, or render our service acceptably to Him, if we neglect them? There can be no question, moreover, that in His case these seasons were not merely occasions when He asked gifts from His Father. In all probability petition occupied a very important place in such seasons, but by no means the principle place. They were times of communion in which He poured out the joy of His Spirit in adoring praise: and in which He remained in silence, and heard the speech of God in His own soul. And so it must ever be with us, if our lives are to be strong in themselves, and vigorous in their service.