Prayer Apprenticeship

Daily Devotional – Sunday, September 5, 2021

So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.

Luke 5:16 (NKJV)

The most enduring and effective lessons are those learned from experts. Take the example of apprenticeship. This on-job training has been around since time immemorial. It involves a younger person (apprentice) learning practically under the guidance of an expert.

When it comes to prayer, all Christians should be apprentices of Jesus Christ. No one modeled the best prayer practices better than our Master did. His disciples understood this well.

Luke records, “Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray...’” (Luke 11:1). They were attracted to Christ’s prayer habits. They longed to pray the way He did.

Today, we will examine three prayer practices of the Master Teacher. Like good apprentices, let us endeavour to model these behaviours as closely and as perfectly as possible in the contemporary context.

1. Have defined times for prayer. “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and … prayed.” (Mark 1:35). Every time is prayer time. However, when the mind is fresh, especially early in the morning, this is the best time to pray.
2. Have a defined place for prayer. “He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.” (Mark 1:35). If possible, have a spot or room where you can pray from regularly.  
3. Make prayer a regular habit. “So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” (Luke 5:16). Have consistent appointments with God.

Lord Jesus Christ, help me to model my prayer life after yours.THR