Luke 9:18-20
18 One day Jesus left the crowds to pray alone. Only his disciples were with him, and he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”
19 “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other ancient prophets risen from the dead.”
20 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”
Peter replied, “You are the Messiah sent from God!”

Dear God, I wonder what Jesus prayed for when he was alone in times like this. Was he already praying that this cup would pass? Was he praying for the disciples? Was he praying for strength, wisdom, and/or protection? I’m sure it was all of these things.

It’s interesting that, in this telling of the story, Peter doesn’t get any extra love for his declaration. I think both Matthew and Mark record Jesus telling Peter that he is awesome because he knows this. Here, verse 21 just says that Jesus tells them to not tell anyone.

Father, I’m not sure what to think about all of this or what is here for me, but I know that I probably need to be much more intentional about my prayers for others. I am glad my wife and I pray together out loud daily because if I didn’t I’m not sure how much intercessory prayer I would do at all. I’m also not sure how much I would pray for my own life beyond these journals. But even with the prayers I do with her, I need to be better. I need to be more intentional. I need to sink my teeth into praying for and loving others so that I might decrease in my ow eyes and you will increase.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen