When God gives you an opportunity to serve Him what do you do first? Jesus prayed! From the beginning of His public ministry to the end, Jesus demonstrated dependence upon His Father by praying before, during, and after He ministered to people.

Jesus prayed before He began His public ministry. . .

When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as He was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."(Luke 3:21-22 NIV)

Jesus prayed before He taught His followers. . .

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.  (NIV) Mark 1:35

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."  (NIV) Luke 11:1

He prayed while He was teaching others. . .

At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.  (NIV) Matthew 11:25-26

Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people.  (NIV) Matthew 15:36

Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.  (NIV) Matthew 19:13

He prayed after He ministered to others. . .

After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,  (NIV) Matthew 14:23

Anchoring Deeper:

Do you pray before you serve God? To prepare do you rely on your own strength, your own knowledge? Do you turn to others? Do you read “How to” books? Or do you turn to God?

Do you take the time each day to seek God’s heart and mind so that you are prepared for ministry opportunities throughout the day? Remember, God knows what opportunities He will give you each day to serve Him. And He loves you! Follow Jesus’ example and turn to God before, during, and after you serve Him !