Luke 2:41-51 NASB
[41] Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. [42] And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast; [43] and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it, [44] but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a day’s journey; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. [45] When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him. [46] Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. [47] And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. [48] When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.” [49] And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” [50] But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them. [51] And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things w in her heart. …
One of my favorite things to do concerning my prayer life is to simply contemplate sections of Scripture and allow the Holy Spirit to speak truths into my life, and then pray into those things concerning my walk with the Lord. I’ll add those truths to the list of things I pray about, and they become a regular part of my prayer life. Here are some things that I see in these verses. One of my real spiritual heroes, and true spiritual father is Joseph. There’s some things about him from the story but I pray into my own spiritual life.
I pray that I will always seek Jesus with the same passion that Joseph did when they thought they had lost Him. (It is true that we can never lose Jesus, but I can only imagine the passion, and sense of desperation that was in the heart of Mary and Joseph during the three days they were trying to find Christ. No matter how aware I am of his presence with me I want to know that, desperate passion to know him more.)
I pray that the Holy Spirit will teach me how to always steward well the presence of Jesus. (Joseph and Mary had visited Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover, and on their way home from the spiritual activity, fellowshipping with other devoted followers of God, they were unaware that Jesus was missing. I know that Jesus will never leave us, but it is possible to be so involved in spiritual activity, and social responsibilities that we can neglect His presence.)
I pray that the Holy Spirit will constantly remind me that Jesus is not living inside of me to live my story through me, but he will only live his story through me, and his story is to always be about the Father’s business. (This means that He, and He alone has the right to order my days, and my future.)
I pray that the Holy Spirit will help me to understand that everything Jesus does fits into His purposes even if I don’t understand what he is up to. (When Jesus said had to be about the father’s business, Joseph and Mary did not understand)
I pray that God would give me a heart is vastly more important what I learned that what I have to say. Lord keep me so hungry that I will never stop listening and asking questions, instead of believing that I always have to have the answers.
(Joseph and Mary found Jesus in the temple listening and asking questions. If he needed to listen and ask questions then how much more do I need to)
Hopefully some of this will help you in your own prayer life, and in your spiritual growth.