We will conclude this part of reflections that focuses on the other prayers of the Lord, specifically on those made at:

• Baptism—Luke 3:21-22 (TPT)—One day, Jesus came to be baptized along with all the others. As he was consumed with the spirit of prayer, the heavenly realm ripped open above him and the Holy Spirit descended from heaven in the form of a dove and landed on him. Then God’s audible voice was heard, saying, “My Son, you are my beloved one. Through you I am fulfilled.”—What could He have been praying for, that consumed Him so? The answer is in John 5. It was all about the work committed to Him; that He would deliver the people, turning them to the true God in the face of opposition from men and the powers of darkness.
• After baptism—Luke 5:16 (TPT)—But Jesus often slipped away from them and went into the wilderness to pray—Why? And for what reason? Let’s combine this with Mark 1:35-37 (TPT)—The next morning, Jesus got up long before daylight, left the house while it was dark, and made his way to a secluded place to give himself to prayer. Later, Simon and his friends searched for him, and when they finally tracked him down, they told him, “Everyone is looking for you—they want you!”—It was all about drawing grace, power and focus for the work committed to Him, and setting a model to follow for the disciples both present and future on how to work the works of God!
• Gethsemane—Luke 22: 39-46 (TPT)—Jesus left the upper room with his disciples and, as was his habit, went to the Mount of Olives, his place of secret prayer. There he told the apostles, “Keep praying for strength to be spared from the severe test of your faith that is about to come.” Then he withdrew from them a short distance to be alone. Kneeling down, he prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup of agony away from me. But no matter what, your will must be mine.”  Jesus called for an angel of glory to strengthen him, and the angel appeared. He prayed even more passionately, like one being sacrificed, until he was in such intense agony of spirit that his sweat became drops of blood, dripping onto the ground. When Jesus finished praying, he got up and went to his disciples and found them all asleep, for they were exhausted and overwhelmed with sorrow. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “You need to be alert and pray for the strength to endure the great temptation.” (see also Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14: 32-42)

The disciples needed to pray for grace not to fail in the day of the supreme test of their faith as exemplified by the Lord; His prayer was that the will of God should prevail over His own desires! What a lesson for us all who are commissioned officers in the last work that will be challenged by the hordes of fallen gods that are now invading the earth

• On the cross—Luke 23:34, 42,43, 46 (TPT)—While they were nailing Jesus to the cross, he prayed over and over, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” The soldiers, after they crucified him, gambled over his clothing…Then he said, “I beg of you, Jesus, show me grace and take me with you into your everlasting kingdom!” Jesus responded, “I promise you—this very day you will enter paradise with me.” …Then Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Father, I surrender my Spirit into your hands.” And he took his last breath and died. (see also Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34)

His emotional and physical agony could not stop Him completing His assignment. He prayed for the forgiveness of those who put Him to death, and still saved at the last minute the dying thief who saw God in action and surrendered his life!

How I pray that we see and do as He did! Can you answer the questions we started with:

• Is glorifying God central to your life’s goals.
• Is finishing the work He committed to you primary consideration in all your undertakings?

Selah.

Pastor Afolabi Oladele