Please enable Javascript to play audio

Jesus Prayed

April 27, 2008

He prayed from “the start” of His life of faith

Luke 3:21-22 When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. 22 And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, "You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased [it is faith that pleases God in Heb.11:5-6]."

He offered prayers in the days of His flesh

Hebrews 5:7-8 Who [Christ] in the days of his flesh [His first coming, made in the likeness of men], when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him [God the Father] that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that [or because of] he feared [godly fear Heb.12:28] 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.

He prayed for God’s will to be done

Mark 14:36 And He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will."

Prayer keeps us from falling into temptation

Mark 14:38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

Prayer works!

James 5:16 “…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. NIV

The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects. RSV

The prayer of a good man is full of power in its working. BBE

The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. NAU

The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful. NAB

The Lord is a selective hearer

Proverbs 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

Jesus was a righteous man

Luke 23:47 So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, "Certainly this was a righteous Man!"

He prayed at “the end” of His life of faith

Luke 23:46 And when Jesus (on the cross) had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the spirit.

In everything by prayer

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Constant prayer

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray [imperative] without ceasing.

Jesus found time to pray even when life was busy

Luke 5:15-16 But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. 16 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

He would rise up early in the morning

Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

Jesus prayed before important decisions

Luke 6:12-13 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles

He prayed for His food

Matthew 15:36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

Jesus prayed for His enemies

Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

He prayed for little children

Matthew 19:13-15 Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. 15 And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.

He prayed for His disciples

Luke 22:31-32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Jesus prayed for His church

John 17:9-26 "I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. 10 "And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 "Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. 15 "I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 "They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 20 " I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 "that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 24 "Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25 "O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. 26 "And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them."

His example in praying motivates His disciples to pray

Luke 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

Abide in Him – Pray, even as He prayed

1 John 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him [in Christ] ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.