Jesus’ School of Prayer

Lord, teach us to pray… —Luke 11:1

You will not find a better teacher on the subject of prayer than Jesus. There are over 60 references to Jesus praying or mentioning prayer in the four Gospels. So the best place to find instruction on prayer is look at the example of Jesus.

1. For example, where should we pray? Jesus prayed in the temple, in the wilderness (Luke 4), in quiet places (Mt. 14:22-23), in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22), and on the cross (Luke 23:34, 46). He prayed alone (Mk. 1:35) and with others (Luke 9:28). Look at Jesus’ life, follow His example, and pray wherever you are.

2. What should we pray? Jesus taught us to ask that God’s name be honored and that His will be done (Luke 11:2). Ask Him for your daily provisions, for forgiveness of sin, and for deliverance from temptation and evil (Luke 11:2-4). Pray for your enemies (Mt. 5:44); pray for laborers (Luke 10:2); pray for the faith of others (Luke 22:32); pray for God to be glorified (John 12:28; 14:13).

3. How should we pray? Pray secretly (Luke 6:6); pray publicly (John 11:41-42); pray earnestly (Luke 22:44); pray believing (Mt. 21:22); pray submissively (Mt. 26:39); pray first thing in the morning (Mk. 1:35); pray in the night (Luke 6:12); pray kneeling (Luke 22:41); pray standing (Mk. 11:25); pray forgiving (Mk. 11:25); pray watchfully (Mk. 13:33); pray always (Luke 18:1); pray in Jesus’ name (John 16:26); pray thankfully (Mt. 15:36; John 11:41).

So if you’re looking for a good instruction on prayer, a good starting point is to follow the example of our Lord. If Jesus needed to pray, how can we do less?