A NIGHT OF PRAYER

CHOOSING THE APOSTLES

Read Luke 6:1–16; Mark 3:7–19

      Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. Luke 6:12

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      Prior to this night of intense prayer, Jesus had withdrawn with his disciples to the sea. Such huge crowds followed him that "He told His disciples that a small boat should be kept ready for Him because of the multitude, lest they should crush Him." (Mark 3:9 NKJV)

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      Now, Jesus goes alone to a mountain to spend the night in prayer. The next day He would call his followers to him and from them choose the twelve apostles. These men would be sent out to preach and heal and cast out demons. This was the Kingdom of Heaven confronting the kingdom of Satan. No wonder He spent the entire night in prayer for them.

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      Lord, if You felt it necessary to get away by yourself to pray, then surely I need to make time for extended prayer. Help me to remember to carve out time from my busy schedule to find time alone with You – particularly when we are facing important decisions.

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      When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:     Luke 6:13 NIV