Text: "Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him." Luke 22:39

Jesus had a habit-- a clearly defined habit--so clearly defined that Luke could insert the words, "as usual."

Human beings are prone to habits, both good and bad, helpful and hurtful. Jesus' habit was solitude. Could it be that Christians who never learn the secrets of solitude will also never experience some of the deep things of God?

I believe it is safe to say, without fear of contradiction, that all great believers have learned the secret of solitude.

Jesus was obviously in the habit of prayer in this place. But this was no ordinary prayer. It was like none other--agonizing and desperate. His sweat was like great drops of blood. He was determined not to fall into temptation.

Could it be that we would sin far less--or not at all--if we imitated Jesus' habit of prayer?

-knf