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 more fruitful relationship with God.
Contents
Why Did Jesus Pray?
An effective approach to developing our prayer life is to study the diverse methods Jesus employed in his own prayers. While the Gospels paint an incomplete portrait of Jesus Christ’s life, they tantalizingly offer us windows into his prayerful moments. Yet, an enigmatic question lingers in the air: “What purpose guided Jesus in the art of prayer?” 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 Father God 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 kneeled 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
In our prayers, it is essential to align ourselves with God’s will. There’s a notable biblical account where the twelve disciples sought Jesus’ counsel on the art of prayer. In reply, Jesus encouraged them to commence with the Lord’s Prayer, emphasizing the line, “Your kingdom come, your 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
Within the pages of the Bible, we observe Jesus consistently engaging in prayers on behalf of his disciples, serving as an exemplary pattern for us to emulate. This instructs us about the significance of interceding for individuals within our community who have not yet discovered salvation.
Finding Jesus in your life often begins with an act of humility, recognizing that we are but small parts of a vast universe, yet deeply loved and guided by a divine presence.
Jesus imparts the valuable lesson that God places the highest regard on humility, particularly when we integrate the concerns of others into our own prayers.
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
Continuing a bit further, he descended to the ground and fervently prayed that, if possible, the impending hour might pass him by. He beseeched, saying, “Dear Father, for you, all things are achievable. If it is within your will, remove this burden from me.” Once more, he withdrew and engaged in prayer, reiterating the words, “Yet not my will, but your will be done” (Mark 14:35–36, 39).
Throughout the Old Testament, the act of falling on one’s face before God is symbolically used to express profound humility, as seen in Numbers 20:6. In John 17:1, we encounter the image of Jesus “raising his gaze to heaven” while in prayer, demonstrating his reliance upon 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 just shows how vital prayer was in Jesus’ existence. His intimate connection with the divine was so unwavering that he felt compelled to commune with God at any moment, regardless of the setting.
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.
When he prayed, Jesus showed us the importance of empathy and a sincere love for God. It should not be cold or distant. Instead, we must pray and love with much 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
Delving into the manner in which Jesus approached prayer reveals a profound and significant link between the earthly and the divine realms. His prayers stand as an enduring model of faith, humility, and dedication, offering ongoing inspiration and guidance to present-day believers.
In our own prayers, we should emulate Jesus by offering gratitude, just as he did. Furthermore, it is essential to prioritize the Lord’s will above our own in every aspect of our lives.
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.