MARK.

Jesus praying in a solitary place.

Mark i.-35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

Note.-Christ's people will often, like him, seek a solitary place to pray in.

Jesus making provision for the five thousand.

Mark vi.-41 And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all. 42 And they did all eat, and were filled. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. 44 And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.

Note.-Christ's compassion and care extend to the bodily wants of His people, as well as to the concerns of their souls. Let us trust Him for both, and imitate His example in our conduct towards our fellow-men.

Jesus praying alone on a mountain.

Mark vi.-45 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people. 46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. 47 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

Note.-Christ prayed often. Surely, both for privilege and profit, we, who are his disciples and followers, should be much in secret prayer.

Jesus making provision for the four thousand. Mark viii. 6 And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people. 7 And they had a few small fishes : and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them. 8 So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets. 9 And they that had eaten were about four thousand and he sent them away.

Note.-The miracle is repeated. As our wants arise,
Christ's provision for them is brought forth.

Jesus' counsel regarding prayer.

Mark xi.-24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. 25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any; that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven, forgive your trespasses.

Note.-How can any one ask forgiveness from God and withhold it from a fellow-creature!

Jesus' first prayer in Gethsemane.

Mark xiv.-33 And he taketh with him Peter, and

James, and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; 34 and saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. 35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. 37 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? 38 Watch ye, and pray, lest ye enter into temptation; the spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

Note.-How Christ's great sorrow, laid on him for our sins, should embitter our own sorrow for these sins, increase our hatred of them, and add to our love to the Lord Jesus!

Jesus' second prayer in Gethsemane.

Mark xiv. 39 And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words. 40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again; (for their eyes were heavy ;) neither wist they what to answer him.

Note.-We may warrantably go once and again to God with the same prayer, if no answer has come—but without murmuring or impatience.

Jesus' third prayer in Gethsemane.

Mark xiv. 41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest : it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.

Note. The issue of all our prayers should be perfect submission to the will of God in regard to the things asked.

LUKE.

Simeon on beholding Christ.

Luke ii.-25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28 then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Note.-As Matthew Henry has it, "Those who have welcomed Christ, may welcome death."

Jesus Christ at his baptism.

Luke iii.-21 Now, when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape, like a dove, upon him; and a voice came from heaven, which

said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

Note.-Christ put honour on prayer by asking and receiving through his asking, "Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance," &c. And here did he not ask in this prayer at his baptism, the descent of the Spirit, and the testimony from his Father which immediately followed?

Jesus Christ in the wilderness.

Luke v.-16 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

Note.-The fullest occupation with lawful duties ought to leave time for secret prayer.

Jesus Christ on a mountain.

Luke vi.-11 And they were filled with madness ; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.

12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

Note. We can never be at a loss for an errand to the throne of God-to adore, to thank, to petition. Such frequent communion with God is needful to keep our spiritual life fresh and vigorous.

Jesus prays and teaches the Lord's Prayer.

Luke xi.-1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. 2 And he said unto