The Prayer Life of Jesus

Have you ever considered how prayerful Jesus was? He is God, so why did He have to pray?

He prayed because prayer is communion. Prayer is what connected his humanity with divinity. He prayed to teach us lessons about prayer. Prayer was the essence of Jesus Christ’s relationship with the Father. Prayer is the way to keep up with the Father. He prayed for himself and his mission, and he continues to pray for all believers.

Here are some of the summarized list of Jesus Christ’s practice of prayer:• He prayed regularly Lk 5:16

He often prayed alone Mk 1:35 See also Mt 14:23, Mk 6:46; Lk 6:12; Lk 9:18

He prayed at specific times:

Before his death: Mt 26:36-46 pp Mk 14:32-41, Lk 22:39-46; Jn 17:1-26

On the cross: Mt 27:46 pp Mk 15:34; Lk 23:34,46; Lk 3:21-22

At his baptism; Lk 6:12-13

Before choosing the apostles; Lk 9:28-29 before his transfiguration

Here are some characteristics of Jesus Christ’s prayers:

Communion with his Father- Mt 6:9, Lk 11:2; Mt 11:27, Lk 10:22

Submission to his Father- Heb 5:7 See also Mt 6:10; Mt 26:36, Mk 14:36, Lk 22:42

Giving of praise and thanks to his Father- Mt 11:25-26, Lk 10:21

See also Mt 14:19, Mk 6:41,Lk 9:16, Jn 6:11; Mt 15:36, Mk 8:6-7; Mt 26:26-27, Mk 14:22-23, Lk 22:17-19 pp 1Co 11:24

The scope of Jesus Christ’s prayers

For children: Mt 19:13-15, Mk 10:13-16, Lk 18:15-17

For his disciples: Lk 22:31-32; Jn 14:16; Jn 17:6-19,

For his persecutors: Lk 23:34

For himself: Jn 12:27-28; Jn 17:1-21

For all believers: Jn 17:20-26

Jesus Christ’s teaching about prayer: Mt 6:9-15, Lk 11:2-4; Mt 5:44; Mt 6:5-8; Lk 6:28; Lk 18:1-8,9-14; Lk 21:36

If Jesus can pray, why can’t you?