What Jesus Did! 'Insights from Times of Prayer!' — Luke 9:18-19

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Multiplication of Ministry Week

We're celebrating what God has done and sharing what's next for this ministry.

 Learn More
One day Jesus left the crowds to pray alone. Only his disciples were with him, and he asked them, "Who do people say I am?"

"Well," they replied, "some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other ancient prophets risen from the dead."

— Luke 9:18-19 NLT

Key Thought

The Gospel of Luke reminds us that so many of the great moments of Jesus' life and ministry were tied to prayer. Sometime soon, get a specially colored highlighter and read the Gospel of Luke and mark every time prayer occurs or is the subject of Jesus' teaching. Then go back and make a list of key events tied to those prayer sessions. You will be amazed at how important prayer was to the unfolding salvation offered through Jesus' ministry and later sacrifice. Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah, [1] followed this prayer time in today's verses and the subsequent discussion. This story is just another one of the Holy Spirit's reminders that fresh insights for life, faith, and our faithfulness often occur during our times of prayer. This type of insight was true for Jesus and his disciples, and it will no doubt be true for us also.

[1] Luke 9:20.

Today's Prayer

Father in heaven, God Almighty, thank you for providing me the great avenue and opportunity of prayer. To know that you listen to my words, my thoughts, and my heart is simply overwhelming. Help me hunger more for these special times in your presence. Give me wisdom and understanding as I pray and seek your will. Do your will in my life as I seek your presence. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 9:18-19 NLT — "some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other ancient prophets risen from the dead."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
James 5:16
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Psalms 118:12
"Our Lord Jesus, by his death, did not purchase a right to a part of us only, but to the entire man. He contemplated in his passion the sanctification...."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'A Violent Leader is Feared, Not Followed'
"[Stephen continued his defense before the council:] "One day when Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his relatives, the people of Israel....."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Uses Your Difficulties to Save Others'
""Please come closer to me," Joseph said to his brothers. When they did so, he said, "I am Joseph, the brother you sold into slavery in Egypt! Now,....."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!