05
Aug '25
Connected Instead of Distracted
05
Aug '25
Introduction: Are you distracted right now? Can’t stay focused? One minute up on the mountain and the next down in the valley. How can we be consistent in our Christian journey? One simple truth that cannot be overlooked is the importance of connecting—and staying connected—with our God throughout the day. This is done not only by worship but also by words—prayer. Consider the life of Jesus Christ: though He was equal with the Father, in His earthly body He practiced the power of prayer. Let’s face it—if He needed to do that, how much more do we?
1. In the early morning, Jesus prayed! (Mark 1:35) – “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.”
Do you start your day off with prayer? Do you end it with prayer? Do you pray throughout the day?
2. Withdrawing from the busyness of life, Jesus prayed. (Luke 5:16) – “And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.”
By the way, you might find it interesting that this was during a very busy time of the day!
3. When facing a major decision, Jesus prayed! (Matt. 26:36–39) – “Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder… Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”
Big decisions require mega prayers! Are you praying in the will of God for the glory of the Lord?
4. Teaching His disciples the importance of prayer, Jesus demonstrated how to pray! (Matt. 6:9–13) – “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”
Teaching someone how to pray is not only a great responsibility but also a great privilege. First, we need to be enrolled in the school of prayer. There is no graduation in this class until we get to heaven!
5. When others had needs, Jesus prayed! (John 17; Luke 22:31–32) – “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”
Had Jesus not been praying for Peter, he would not have gotten back up when he had fallen! But he did—and was restored. Remember: Jesus is praying for you.
Conclusion: Obviously, there could be many more references to the prayer life of Jesus Christ. But suffice it to say, His life was saturated by prayer. Not only is He praying for us (hallelujah!), but we, like His disciples, need to say, “Lord, teach us to pray.”
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese