At critical moments in your life, what do you do? Jesus prayed! From the beginning of His public ministry to the end, Jesus prayed at every critical moment of His life.

Jesus prayed at the beginning of His 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 chose the men who would carry on His ministry after he death. . .

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles (Luke 6:12-13 NIV)

Jesus prayed before the confession that He was the Christ. . .

Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, "Who do the crowds say I am?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life. "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "The Christ of God." (Luke 9:18-20 NIV)

Jesus prayed before His Transfiguration . . .

About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.  As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. (Luke 9:28-29 NIV)

Jesus prayed before the cross . . .

Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." (Luke 22:39-42 NIV)

Jesus prayed on the cross . . .

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (Luke 23:34 NIV)

Anchoring Deeper:

Who do you turn to at the critical moments in your life? Do you rely on your own strength, your own knowledge? Do you turn to others? Or do you turn to God?

When you are faced with decisions, how quickly (or how slowly) do you turn to God for the answers?

What are you facing today that you need God’s wisdom? Remember, He is sovereign, He knows the past, present and future. He is all powerful. He knows what’s best for you. And He loves you! Follow Jesus’ example and turn to God when you face the critical moments. . . and the small day to day decisions!