Today’s Key Scripture (all references NKJV unless otherwise noted:

But they (the Pharisees) were filled with rage, and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus. Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

—Luke 16:11-12

Let’s go back a couple of verses: “Then Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one thing: Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy?” And when He had looked around at them all, He said to [b]the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored as whole as the other.” (Luke 6:9-10).

The wonderful Bible commentator Matthew Henry wrote:

Instead of being convinced by this miracle, as they ought to have been, that he was a teacher come from God—instead of being brought to be in love with him as a benefactor to mankind—they were filled with madness, vexed that they could not frighten him from doing good, or hinder the growth of his interest in the affections of the people. They were mad at Christ, mad at the people, mad at themselves… We may well stand amazed at it that the sons of men should be so wicked as to do thus, and that the Son of God should be so patient as to suffer it.

Instead of reacting against their madness, He simply had an all-night prayer meeting!

Life can be hard. Prayer doesn’t have to be. Whatever is going on with you right now, God is actually interested in spending time with you, guiding your steps, and protecting you from evil.

A Prayer for Today:

Thank You, dear heavenly Father, for caring about my most intimate thoughts and the desires of my heart. Grow my passion for prayer and spending time with You. Help me to cherish my times with You, no matter what is going on in my life. Help me to stay where You want me to be. I want to be more like You. Thank You for promising that if I draw near to You, You will draw near to me. Amen!