Jesus Models Prayer

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. ²³And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. Matthew 14:22-23

To worship fully we must devote our heart to God, we must give thanks and praise for all that God has done in our lives and for all that God is.  Through Jesus, we not only have the opportunity to worship God but also to see an example of a worshipful life.  Jesus models a life of worship by taking intentional time regularly to connect with God through prayer.  He knows that he cannot sustain his ministry of healing and transformation without prayer and worship. 

After Jesus feed 5,000 people with five bread loaves and two fish, the scriptures say he "immediately" sent everyone away and went by himself to pray.  He didn't take a victory lap or enjoy the accolades from his disciples or thanks from the crowd, he simply went away.  Perhaps Jesus needed to spiritually recharge after exerting himself in such a way.  Perhaps he wanted to remain humble and not allow himself to take personal credit for such a feat, and in humility wanted to give God thanks.  Or perhaps Jesus just needed time away; time with God and apart from everyone always needing or wanting something.  Either way, Jesus went off and prayed and then returned the next day to continue the work he was called to.  Jesus provides for us a model for how to live a worship-filled life, may God grant us the grace to live it out.