LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY

“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place.

When he finished, one of his disciples said to him,

"Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1
New International Version

There are various scripture passages that give us insight into the prayer life of Jesus. The Bible teaches that he prayed in the wilderness (Luke 5:16); before the appointment of the apostles, he continued all night in prayer (Luke 6:12); he was alone praying (Luke 9:18); his transfiguration also took place when he went up to pray (Luke 9:28, 29). Prayer was vital to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Jesus continually stayed in fellowship and communion with his heavenly father.
Jesus’ prayer life was so remarkable that his disciples were intrigued, inquisitive and motivated to learn more about prayer. We can surmise that the frequency, intensity and results of Jesus’ prayers were astounding to the disciples to the point they asked, “Lord, teach us to pray.”
Jesus often rose early to pray and withdrew from everyone to be alone with his Father. The disciples had to take note of the frequency of his prayers. The scripture says that he often continued all night in prayer. In Luke 18:1, he taught his disciples that they should always pray and never lose heart. Not only did he teach it, but he exemplified continually prayer.
Not only did Jesus pray often, he prayed with great intensity and passion. Hebrews 5:7 says, “While Jesus lived on earth, he prayed to God and asked God for help. He prayed with loud cries and tears to the One who could save him from death, and his prayer was heard because he trusted God.” This scripture gives phenomenal insight into the humanity of Jesus. His prayers were marked with loud cries and tears. His prayers were passionate, fervent and intense. He poured out his soul to God in prayer.
Jesus experienced the blessing of answered prayer, always. He was confident that his father always heard him when he prayed (John 11:42). God responded to his son because of his ‘reverence and godly fear.’ Jesus poured out his heart, but ultimately he aligned his will with the father’s will. Jesus’ surrender and yielding guaranteed him answered prayer.
Are you intrigued, inquisitive and motivated to experience the same prayer life as Jesus? Do you want confidence and assurance that God will hear and answer prayer? Follow the example of the disciples and ask the lord to teach you how to pray.