Power and Praying
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. And all the city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him. And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.”
Mark 1:32–35
Though Jesus was fully and completely God, He was also fully human. He voluntarily took on the limits of a body. He got tired and hungry just like we do. After a full day of ministry that began with teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum, casting out a demon, and healing Peter’s mother-in-law, a huge crowd came as soon as the Sabbath was ended. They wanted Jesus to heal and touch those in need. We do not know how long it was before Jesus finished with the multitude, but it must have been long after dark. Yet very early the next morning, we find Jesus getting up to go apart alone and pray.
Prayer is not an adjunct or an accessory to ministry and life. It is an essential ingredient. It is in prayer that we, just as Jesus did, find the strength and power to accomplish what God has set before us. John Wesley said, “I have so much to do, that I must spend several hours in prayer before I am able to do it.”
Too often we try to work and live in our own power, but if we take that route, we only get what we are able to do. God calls us to tasks that are beyond our natural abilities and strength. To succeed we must have His help, and that help comes to us when we pray.
Mark 1:32–35
Though Jesus was fully and completely God, He was also fully human. He voluntarily took on the limits of a body. He got tired and hungry just like we do. After a full day of ministry that began with teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum, casting out a demon, and healing Peter’s mother-in-law, a huge crowd came as soon as the Sabbath was ended. They wanted Jesus to heal and touch those in need. We do not know how long it was before Jesus finished with the multitude, but it must have been long after dark. Yet very early the next morning, we find Jesus getting up to go apart alone and pray.
Prayer is not an adjunct or an accessory to ministry and life. It is an essential ingredient. It is in prayer that we, just as Jesus did, find the strength and power to accomplish what God has set before us. John Wesley said, “I have so much to do, that I must spend several hours in prayer before I am able to do it.”
Too often we try to work and live in our own power, but if we take that route, we only get what we are able to do. God calls us to tasks that are beyond our natural abilities and strength. To succeed we must have His help, and that help comes to us when we pray.
Today’s Growth Principle:
The Christian who is too busy to pray will not be able to accomplish what only God can do.
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