Prayer’s Priority

When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.—John 18:1

Jesus was fully aware of his coming betrayal, arrest, sentencing, and death. Yet at this moment, he did not let future events hijack his time in prayer. John, the writer above, could have easily left off the fact that Jesus was praying, but he adds in this detail because prayer was so habitual for Jesus. This seemingly "minor detail" was a regular practice in the life of Jesus. And when discipline is repeated, it makes permanent. It becomes permanent not only because of the practice but because of the relationship that results from the practice. As Jesus faced these last moments on earth, he wanted to spend them with his brothers, but there was no way the busyness was going to keep him from the Father.

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PRAY THIS: God, help me to practice a prayer habit but also guide me to greater intimacy with you.