Our last article focused on what is typically referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer.” Therein, Jesus gave an example of prayer for His disciples (Matthew 6:9-13). Now we turn our attention to John 17, which is a more extensive prayer from our Lord. The prayer breaks down into three sections:
V 1-5, His prayer regarding Himself, seeking for God to be glorified in Him;
V 6-19, His prayer for the apostles, and the mission which was ahead of them;
V 20-26, His prayer for the unity of all believers, including you and me.
Matthew 6:9-13 contains a section of text which has been dubbed, “The Lord’s Prayer.” The thought is certainly not that it was a rarity for Jesus to pray, for as we’ve discussed previously, Jesus was constant in prayer. Nor is the idea that Jesus desired for His disciples or any other to use His words as a periodical recital. In fact, He cautioned His disciples about vain repetitions shortly before wording this prayer (v 7). This is an example of how to pray. It is given to model or display prayer to His followers – a short and simple prayer which would serve as a starting place for those who seek to learn to pray.
The disciples requested of Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). Among the things Jesus taught about prayer is what we should pray for. Let’s learn from the Lord.
We continue our series looking at Jesus’ example of and teachings about prayer. Today we’ll focus on the power of prayer. Our Lord emphasized the need for us to pray in faith, the importance of prayer as we endeavour to overcome temptation and sin, and the value of prayer as we seek to not lose heart amidst trials and troubles in life. Let’s learn from the Lord.
In Matthew 6, Jesus provided His disciples with an example of prayer (v 9-13). Eventually in our series looking at prayer we will devote an article to looking at the Lord’s prayer as worded in Matthew 6. However, herein we want to examine the verses just preceding the prayer. In Matthew 6:5-8, Jesus gave several important principles which will help us to pray as we ought.
One of the many blessings experienced by the apostles during the days of Jesus’ earthly ministry was the opportunity to hear Him pray. In Luke 11:1, one of His disciples requested, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” In the immediate context, Jesus gave an example of prayer, what is typically dubbed “The Lord’s Prayer.” The request infers the disciple considered Jesus to be an expert, proficient in prayer. Indeed, there is no one more qualified to teach someone how to pray. He was their perfect example of prayer – He is our perfect example of prayer. Let us learn from Jesus’ prayer life.
In this series of articles, we will be looking at several topics surrounding Jesus’ teachings and example of prayer. We’ll discuss elements of His prayer life (frequency, privacy, longevity), prayer principles from the sermon on the mount, the power of prayer, what we should pray for, and examples of Jesus’ prayers.
