Jesus Invites Us To Pray
“And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for.”
1 John 5:14–15 (NLT)
Prayer is a mystery for many. Even uncomfortable for some believers. The more we practice the spiritual discipline of prayer, the more our faith grows. This is the beauty of prayer.
When my kids were young I taught and modeled the value of prayer. My desire was to show them through prayer we can have assurance of God’s sovereignty. I constantly reminded our young boys that God hears our prayers and we can trust the outcome, even if it is not an easy outcome. Often my kids found me early in the morning with my Bible open and in prayer. This is a memory I hope is etched in their minds long after I leave this world.
Friends, the Bible teaches many lessons on prayer for us. The Bible teaches the power of prayer comes when we pray in the name of Jesus. The world we live in gives us so many reasons to pray. I believe the more on our to-do list the greater the need for prayer.
As my faith matured and grew my prayer life has changed. I spend more time seeking God and His will than I do giving him my list of needs. God is sovereign therefore, He knows our needs. Often I will intercede for another by mentioning their name then listening to what the Holy Spirit leads me to pray for. This takes practice, which may be overwhelming at times but the spiritual blessing we receive is such joy.
Jesus taught us much about prayer. I believe there is great benefit in following His examples.
Jesus taught his followers to pray.
“This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I’ve revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and He’ll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks.” John 16:23b-24 (MSG)
Jesus prayed for Himself.
“Now, Father, bring me into the glory we have shared before the world began.” John 17:5 (NLT)
Jesus went alone to pray.
“Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.” Mark 1:35 (Life Application Bible)
For further study of how Jesus lived a life of prayer take some time and look up these verses. As you do, be reminded of how the life of Christ on earth was one of prayer. A life of prayer will guard our hearts and keep us in communion with the heart of our Heavenly Father.
Matthew 26:26 Mark 7:31-37 Luke 5:16 John 14:13-14
Matthew 14:23 Mark 8:6 Luke 6:12-13 John 6:11
Matthew 21:22 Mark 11:24-26 Luke 9:18 John 11:41-42
If you found this helpful, I would love you to leave a comment below.