Devotion 4/14, Pray!
Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. John 18:2
It is so sad that Judas, who had traveled and lived around Jesus for 3 years, knew Him so well as to know where to find Him at any given time, yet did not recognize Him as God in the flesh. Surely if he had truly known who he was leading the Roman soldiers to he would have given his own life to protect Jesus’ whereabouts!
Jesus spent a great deal of time in prayer and clearly wanted His followers to do the same. He had taught the disciples many lessons while He was with them on this earth, but to spend time with God each day in prayer may have been the most helpful thing He instructed them to do. When we spend time with God in prayer our focus is on Him, our hearts are open to His leading on many things in our lives, and our ears are open to receive His instruction.
Judas knew where to find Jesus during this intense period of religious preparation. It was no secret that Jesus would pray together with his disciples in the garden. If we had someone who wanted to betray us, where would that person tell our enemies to find us? Would they know where we would go to be in prayer? Interesting questions, aren’t they? Can you imagine a better compliment than our enemies knowing that they could find us in the place of prayer?
Forgive me, Father, for not joining you more faithfully in the precious time of prayer. I confess that I get busy, distracted, and regrettably disinterested in my prayer time with you. I am sorry. I am not sure why I approach this blessing as a discipline. I pray for your Spirit to create a burning in my heart that calls me joyfully to this grace of prayer. Your presence and concern are my sustaining source of hope. Thank you for always listening, even when I’ve been neglectful. In Jesus’ name, I pray and thank you. Amen.
My Prayer Today!
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