The Prayer Life of Jesus

Luke who in his Gospel emphasizes the humanity of Jesus stresses the prayer life of Jesus.

1. Jesus SHOWED us how to pray (Luke gives 9 examples of Jesus praying)

   1) Jesus prayed before important occasions (Luke 3:21-22).

   2) Jesus prayed after a hard day’s work (Luke 5:16).

   3) Jesus prayed before important decisions (Luke 6:12, 13).

   4) Jesus prayed at ordinary times (Luke 9:18).

   5) Jesus prayed and was transformed (Luke 9:28-29).

   6) Jesus prayed and provided an example (Luke 11:1).

   7) Jesus prayed for others (Luke 22:32).

   8) Jesus prayed for strength (Luke 22:39-46).

   9) Jesus prayed before his death (Luke 23:46).

2. Jesus TAUGHT us how to pray

    A. Jesus taught us one lesson on prayer (the Model Prayer) (Luke 11:1-4)

          1) We first focus on God in worship (Luke 11:2)

          2) Then we focus on Man’s needs (Luke 11:3-4)

    B. Jesus taught us four illustrations on prayer

         1) The Parable of the Importunate Friend (Luke 11:5-10)

              God answers our intercessory prayers for others.

         2) The Parable of the Human Father (Luke 11:11-13)

              God answers our personal prayers for our spiritual needs

         3) The Parable of the Unjust Judge (Luke 18:1-8)

               God answers our prayers for vengeance

         4) The Parable of Two Prayers (Luke 18:9-14)

              God only answers the prayers of the humble

(See Prayer in the Book of Acts)