The apostles taught that Jesus is the Christian's example in all things. To Paul, He is the pattern to imitate (1 Cor 11:1). To Peter, He is the Shepherd whose footsteps Christians are to follow (1 Peter 2:21,25). To John, He is the Servant who led by example (John 13:13-17). There are countless attributes of Jesus which are worthy of emulation, however let it be noted today that Jesus was a prayerful person.
A survey of His life reveals:
The prayer life of Jesus helps one understand the command "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Jesus was continually prayerful. He placed a priority on prayer. It was a large part of His day and His life. What an amazing (and challenging) example to follow!
- Josh Allen (Pikeville, KY)
A survey of His life reveals:
- He prayed alone before He His day began (Mark 1:35)
- He prayed alone in the afternoon (Matthew 14:23; Luke 9:18, Lk 5:16)
- He prayed with His disciples in the afternoon (Luke 9:28-29)
- He prayed alone at night...all night (Luke 6:12)
- He prayed in public (Matthew 11:25-27; John 11:41-42, 12:27-28)
- He prayed before important decisions (Luke 6:12-13)
- He prayed at important events (i.e. after His baptism, Luke 3:21-22)
- He prayed in moments of deep agony (Lk 22:42; Matthew 27:46)
- He prayed to before meals (Mk 8:6; Mt 26:26; Luke 24:30)
- He prayed to teach others (Matthew 6:9-13)
- He prayed for others (Lk 22:31-32)
- He prayed for His disciples (John 17:6-19)
- He prayed for His future disciples (John 17:20-26)
- He prayed for children (Matthew 19:13-15)
- He prayed for His enemies (Luke 23:34)
- He prayed to heal (Mark 7:34-35)
- He prayed with thanksgiving (John 11:41-42; Luke 10:21-22)
- He prayed with loud cries and tears (Hebrews 5:7)
- He prayed the same prayer multiple times (Matthew 26:39,42,44)
- He prayed short prayers (John 12:27-28)
- He prayed long prayers (John 17:1-26; Lk 6:12)
- He prayed kneeling (Lk 22:41)
- He prayed standing (John 17:1)
- He prayed laying prostrate with His face in the ground (Matthew 26:39)
- He prayed according to the Father's will (Mt 26:36-44)
- He prayed with His dying breath (Lk 23:46)
- He prayed before He ascended back to Heaven (Luke 24:50-53)
The prayer life of Jesus helps one understand the command "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Jesus was continually prayerful. He placed a priority on prayer. It was a large part of His day and His life. What an amazing (and challenging) example to follow!
- Josh Allen (Pikeville, KY)
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