A Lesson on Prayer

In Luke 6:12-16, we read of Jesus preparing to choose the Apostles. He prayed to the Father for wisdom and direction before making His choices. In this narrative we learn three important lessons on effective prayer.

1. Jesus went to the mountainside to pray. He needed to remove Himself from distractions and be in a place of quiet solitude so He could hear clearly. Distractions do many things that prevent us from hearing God. The noise and chaos that surround us drown out the voice of the Lord and prevent us from tuning into the Holy Spirit. God does not yell when He wants our attention. Our hearts, minds, and spirit must be still to know His voice and when He is speaking. Getting God's answer requires us to pursue peace and quiet at all times. Eliminating distractions includes work, children, family, ministry, and other forces that create drama.

2. Jesus prayed all night. The Lord was serious about this matter and it required Him to pray at length for an answer. He did not take this decision lightly and was not going to make it in His own understanding. Every choice and decision of our life is important to the Lord. It should be important enough to us that we don't rush into any decision without seeking the Lord's counsel. If we fail to seek the Lord earnestly, we take a chance of being decieved by the enemy and making a wrong choice based on selfish ambition or ulterior motives. If what you seek is important, you pray and seek the Lord earnestly, no matter how long it takes. You do not allow yourself to be pressured by any outside forces, deadlines, or temptations. You pray and you wait for the Lord to confirm and affirm His perfect will.

3. Jesus did not move until morning. The Lord would continue to pray until the Father gave Him a release to move. He chose the twelve Apostles the next morning after He received peace from the Father. Peace is always your release in prayer. If you don't have peace, keep praying. Peace means the Lord has heard your prayers and given you the green light to move forward in faith. We live by faith, not what we see. There is no perfect time in the order of the Kingdom. We trust the Lord and obey Him, no matter what it looks like to others. When God says move, we move. Jesus received a "go" from the Father and moved. He chose twelve men who had a common bond, were known in their communities, respected leaders and businessmen in their communities, husbands and fathers, men He would trust to build the kingdom in the earth. He would not make this decision without hearing from the Father. He waited, persevered in prayer, and trusted the Father's guidance.

Family, if you are waiting on clearance from the Lord, follow these steps in prayer and trust the Lord. His ways are perfect and He does not fail. Believe His Word and move in faith. God never disappoints. Pray. Trust. Believe. God is able and He will do it for you.