Jesus was a man of prayer, regularly spending his days and nights in silence, praying in a mountainous area. Even though his teachings and miracles have left an enduring influence, one aspect of him that is sometimes overlooked is his profound and transformative connection with the divine through prayer. How did Jesus pray? What does Jesus’ example teach us about prayer?
Examining the sacred art of prayer compels us to learn from Jesus’ prayer life in a society that is frequently filled with noise and distraction. May the wisdom gained from his prayer periods serve as a source of motivation, guiding us to a closer, more profound, and fruitful relationship with God.
Contents
Why Did Jesus Pray?
One way we learn to pray is to look at the different ways Jesus prayed. Even though the Gospels do not provide a complete biography of Jesus Christ[1], they provide us with fascinating glimpses into his prayer life. But first, it will be essential to address the question, “Why did Jesus pray?” For Christians, this can occasionally be perplexing.
There are at least three theological arguments for Jesus’ prayer. First, Jesus set an example for his followers. Second, the Incarnation embodies both the divine and human natures. Given his human nature, praying was natural for a Jewish believer like Christ. Third, its structure makes communication among the Trinity’s members possible. As God’s Son, Jesus had access to the Father through prayer.
How Did Jesus Pray According To The Bible?
Jesus talked to his Father frequently and honored him. He asked for discernment and direction for his earthly ministry. He prayed that people might recognize him as their Savior and Lord. He offered sincere and respectful prayers. He prayed joyfully and laudatorily. Jesus prayed, above all, with expectancy. He was confident that the Father would hear and answer his requests.
Jesus Prayed While Kneeling
Then, after walking a short distance, he knelt and prayed, “My Holy Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”
— Matthew 26:39
Based on Jesus’ prayer life, kneeling is the finest position in which to pray since doing so in prayer is a sign of regard, respect, honor, and godly fear.
Jesus Prayed For The Will Of God
Jesus exclaimed at that time, as he was filled with joy through the Holy Spirit, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned and showed them to little children. Yes, Father, for it pleased you to do this.”
— Luke 10:21
When we pray, we must do so by God’s will, and when the twelve disciples asked him for guidance on how to pray, Jesus encouraged them to use the phrase from the Lord’s Prayer, “Your kingdom come, you will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).
According to the Bible, he makes supplications for his followers. Notably, Jesus was taken from his followers and into heaven at his ascension “while he was blessing them” (Luke 24:51). That favor has never ceased. Until he returns, Jesus will bless people who approach God through faith in Christ.
Jesus Often Withdrew To Lonely Places And Prayed
Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus rose, went outside, and found a quiet place to pray.
— Mark 1:35
Jesus had a habit of waking up early in the morning when it was still dark and going to a solitary place by Himself (Luke 5:16). It becomes easier to pray and be open to God if it is just us and him. Therefore, we should pray and go into our “prayer room” or any other area where we may find seclusion.
Christ Prayed For His People
My supplication is not just for them. I pray that all of them will be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you, for those who will come to believe in me through their message.
— John 17:20–21
As revealed in the Bible, Jesus prayed for his disciples regularly. Therefore, we ought to do the same. This indicates that besides praying for the church and other members of the Body of Christ, we should also pray for the lost so that they may be saved. God appreciates the humility of those who put others’ needs and interests ahead of their own.
7 Ways That Jesus Prayed
Jesus Christ advises us to pray in private, to remember him first thing in the morning and for God’s will to be done rather than our own, in a spirit of humility, and for others before ourselves. Moreover, Jesus taught us ways to say our own prayers and pray with others.
Genuine Prayer
“In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was recognized because of his respect” (Hebrews 5:7). This passage reveals that Jesus prayed or pleaded with God to intervene.
Additionally, we see that Jesus cried out to God in agony and desperation, fully understanding what it means to be human and reliant on God. And last, because of Jesus’ reverence, God listened to him.
Private Prayer
Jesus knew the day would be filled with much ministry and activity, including driving out demons, curing the sick, imparting the Word, and training others. Jesus discreetly retreated to a remote location to pray before entering the day’s craziness.
Continuous Prayer
“He went to a mountain to pray during these times, and he stayed there all night, praying to God” (Luke 6:12). Two things concerning Jesus’ prayer life are shown in this verse. First, there were instances when Jesus devoted much time to prayer. Second, Jesus prayed a lot before making a significant choice since he chose the 12 disciples the following day.
Clear Prayer
After walking a little further, he dropped to the ground and prayed that the hour would, if at all possible, pass him by. And he cried, “Abba, Father, for you, anything is possible. Take this cup away from me. And again, he went out and prayed, repeating those words: “But not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:35–36, 39).
Throughout the Old Testament, the idea of falling on your face before God is used as an outward symbol of humility (Numbers 20:6). In John 17:1, we read that Jesus “lifted his eyes to heaven” as he prayed, demonstrating his reliance on God.
Consistent Prayer
“My soul is tormented right now. What should I say next? Father, will you save me at this time? But I’ve come at this hour with this intention. Father, let your name be glorified” (John 12:27–28). This demonstrates how prayer was a huge part of Jesus’ life. He was so close to God that he didn’t hesitate to pray at any time or place.
Corporate Prayer
“Now, about eight days after these statements, he went up the mountain to pray, bringing with him Peter, John, and James. His face changed to look like he prayed, and his garments turned brilliant white” (Luke 9:28–29). Not always did Jesus pray by himself; he emphasized the value of praying with others, especially those near him.
Compassionate Prayer
“Simon, Simon, look! Satan pleaded for you so he could sift you through a sieve-like wheat, but I begged for you so that your faith would not waver. Strengthen your brothers when you have turned again” (Luke 22:31–32). Jesus gives us hope by telling us the times he prayed for us.
What Can We Learn From Jesus’ Example Of Praying?
Jesus’ prayers reveal his character, motivations, and purpose for coming to earth. His prayers should help and inspire us in our prayer lives. The fact that he prayed is far more significant than how, when, or even where he prayed.
Jesus showed empathy and a sincere love for God when he prayed, not in a cold, distant way but one filled with fervor. This is vividly illustrated in John 17, where Jesus prays for all Christians, Himself, and his closest disciples. Jesus prayed for his understanding of the will of his Father. The prayers of Jesus were consistent with a sound biblical worldview because they were founded on God’s revealed realities.
Jesus’ ultimate prayer, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” encapsulated his complete surrender to God’s divine plan, teaching us the importance of aligning our desires with God’s will.
Conclusion
Exploring how Jesus prayed reveals a deep and meaningful connection between the human and the divine. His prayers serve as a timeless example of faith, humility, and devotion that continues to inspire and guide believers today.
When praying, we should do so with thanksgiving, just as Jesus did. And we ought to put the Lord’s will ahead of our own in everything.
Jesus prayed in both public and private places. He prayed both in happy and sad moments. He prayed for others as well as himself. He prayed to communicate with his Father, to express gratitude, and in supplication. Throughout his life, Jesus demonstrated what it means to trust, obey, and seek communion with God.