The Example of Jesus in His Prayer Life

26 Aug The Example of Jesus in His Prayer Life

In our next series of articles, we will study how God enables us to grow through our prayer lives. We will learn from the example of Jesus how to to draw close to God in prayer, and how to become spiritually stronger servants of God. Below is a passage that gives us a glimpse into Jesus’ prayer life:  

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. “ (Mark 1:35)

In this example, we see that Jesus got up early in the morning and prayed. As we view the ongoing patterns in his life, we will see that Jesus was consistent in prayer, and he often devoted his early mornings to spending time with God. What a great example for us to imitate! When we consistently get up and devote our morning time to God, we set our hearts and minds on spiritual things before the busyness of life gets underway. We connect our hearts to God before heading out into the world. We invite God to strengthen and guide us in all our decisions, actions, and interactions throughout the coming day. 

Our next passage shows Jesus coming to God in prayer as he faced going to the cross. Just as Jesus came to God for help in his trials and challenges, so can we:

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch for me.” 

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?” He asked Peter, “Watch and pray, so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is week.“ He then went away and prayed to God a second time, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”  (Matt. 26:36-42)

Brothers and sisters, we can learn from Jesus’ example that we can come to God in prayer whenever we face challenges in the things God calls us to do. As we pray, we need to surrender to God, knowing that He will bring good things from His plans for us, and that He will help us as we face challenges or difficulties. As Jesus did in his trial, let us all pour out our hearts and thoughts to God in prayer, ultimately coming to obey His will rather than to flee from it. God will answer and bless us as we come to Him in prayer, just as He did for Jesus!

Watch the video discussion here!