Into the Mountain to Pray Learning from the Prayers of Jesus
The Prayers of Jesus When Jesus prayed in the sight of his disciples, they were able to learn from him (Lk. 9:18; 28) Jesus practiced prayer before he preached prayer (Lk. 6:28; 11:1-4,5-8,9-13; 18:1-14)
Prayers of Jesus Jesus prayed at the beginning of his ministry (Luke 3:21) He knew that a good beginning starts with direction from God, he prepared to do battle with Satan by praying
Prayers of Jesus Jesus prayed at the beginning of the day (Mark 1:35) He started his day in quiet solitude with God, he was dependent upon his Father
Prayers of Jesus Jesus prayed at the close of day (Matthew 14:23; Mk. 6:35,46) He closed his weary, daily activities with prayer
Prayers of Jesus Jesus prayed at the height of his ministry (Luke 5:15-16; 9:18-20) He put his thoughts toward God in times of success, he did not want to fall prey to misguided success, he withdrew himself in order to focus
Prayers of Jesus Jesus prayed at the time of important decisions (Luke 6:12) He relied upon God for guidance and wisdom, withdrew himself in order to focus, continued all night in prayer
Prayers of Jesus Jesus prayed at times of thanksgiving (Luke 9:16; 10:21; 22:17-18; Mt. 11:25-26; 15:36; Jn. 11:41-42) He did not forget to thank God for the physical and spiritual provisions given
Prayers of Jesus Jesus prayed at the time of concern for others (Mt. 19:13; John 12:27-28; 14:16; 16:26; 17:9,15,20) He thought of his Father first, he prayed for himself, for others, and for all of us
Prayers of Jesus Jesus prayed at the time of sorrow and temptation (Luke 22:31-32,39-46, see Mt. 26:36-46; Mk. 14:32-42) He prayed for others and self, he prayed in reverent humility, total submission, and earnest intensity
Prayers of Jesus Jesus prayed at the time of death (Luke 23:34,46) He was willing to pray for his enemies, and forgive his accusers and tormentors, he was willing to resign himself to God
Learning from the Prayers of Jesus Jesus’ life was a life of prayer: it commenced, it continued, and it closed with prayer Jesus was heard by God when he prayed (Heb. 5:7), and so God will hear us when we pray like him