35 Early in the morning, well before sunrise, Jesus rose and went to a deserted place where he could be alone in prayer.
Reflection
I can be curious. But I try to be cautious when using search tools. I ran a search titled “In the Common English Bible (CEB), how many times does the text say that Jesus prayed and what are the verses.” My goal was to better understand the fullness of Jesus’ relationship with God and with those Jesus encountered during his brief ministry.
The Gethsemane prayer appears in three different gospel accounts. In each book the CEB shows Jesus instructing the disciples (e.g., Matthew 26:36, Mark 14:32, Luke 22:39) as well as recording distinct prayer moments within that night. In my search each place the text highlights the verb “pray” is counted separately.
A few passages (like Luke 5:16) describe Jesus’ habitual practice of withdrawing to pray where in two other Luke scriptures specific discrete prayer moments are found. Each of these passages not only show that Jesus prayed but also reveals different dimensions of his relationship with God – from intimate personal communication to moments of submission in the face of sorrow and decision.
There is a lot to ponder about how these prayer moments shape our understanding of who Jesus is – a model of dependence, trust, and intentional communion with God.
There are only two scriptures that mention Jesus and prayer that are outside Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
In Hebrews Chapter 5 it says, “in the days of his flesh, he offered up prayers and supplications.” This has been interpreted by some as Jesus’ heart’s cry.
John 17 is known as the High Priestly Prayer where we see Jesus lift his eyes to haven and pray extensively for the disciples and others.
John 17: 1-5 says to us:
Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
17:19 I sanctify myself. This statement is unparalleled. In the Septuagint (the pre-Christian Greek translation of the Old Testament) the verb is used by consecrating priests (Ex 28:41) and sacrifices (Ex 28:38; Nu 18:9). Jesus solemnly sets himself apart to do God’s will, which at this point meant his death. that they too may be … sanctified. Jesus died on the cross not only to save us but also to consecrate us to God’s service.
by Clarence Beverage
For Pondering and Prayer
Can we explore more the significance of the High Priestly Prayer in John 17?
What do these prayers reveal about Jesus’s relationship with God?
How can these verses impact our understanding of prayer today?
Prayer: Lord, what would we do without your Word? How would we try to understand you, and the relationship that you have with us? Learning more about the relationship between you and Jesus is a true gift. Seeing the fervent way that Jesus prayed for us is a gift. We thank you for your presence in the Holy Spirit with us now. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
