If ever one of woman born could have lived without prayer, it was our spotless, perfect Lord—and yet none was ever so much in prayer as he! Such was his love for his Father that he loved much to be in communion with him. Such was his love for his people that he desired to be much in intercession for them. This remarkable prayerfulness of Jesus is a lesson for us. He has given us an example that we may follow in his steps.

The time he chose was perfect. It was the hour of silence, when the crowds could not disturb him. The time of inaction, when all but himself had ceased to labor. The season when sleep made people forget their sorrows and stop bringing their needs to him for relief. While others found rest in sleep, he refreshed himself with prayer.

The place was also perfectly chosen. He was alone where none would intrude, where none could observe. Free from religious showmanship and vulgar interruption. Those dark and silent hills were a fit oratory for the Son of God. Heaven and earth in midnight stillness heard the groans and sighs of the mysterious Being in whom both worlds were blended.

And the length of his prayer—remarkable! The long watches were not too long. The cold wind did not chill his devotions. The grim darkness did not darken his faith, or loneliness check his persistence. We cannot watch with him one hour, but he watched for us whole nights.

Notice when this happened. It was after his enemies had been enraged—prayer was his refuge and solace. It was before he sent forth the twelve apostles—prayer was the gate of his enterprise, the herald of his new work.

Should we not learn from Jesus to resort to special prayer when we are under peculiar trial? When we contemplate fresh endeavors for the Master's glory? Lord Jesus, teach us to pray.