What does it mean to pray as Jesus did? The Gospels provide several powerful examples of Jesus’ prayers, revealing His heart and His relationship with God. From His teachings on how to pray to His deeply personal moments of communion with the Father, these prayers offer insight into the faith and mission of Jesus. In this article, we will explore key prayers from the Gospels, reflecting on their significance and what they can teach us about prayer, faith, and unity with God.
The Lord’s Prayer and Other Key Prayers in the Gospels
#1. The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:2-4)
The Lord’s Prayer is a foundational model for Christian prayer, as Jesus directly taught His followers how to approach God in prayer. In Matthew 6:9-13, the prayer begins with “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,” acknowledging God’s holiness and sovereignty. Jesus then prays for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done, signaling the importance of aligning one’s desires with God’s greater purpose. “Give us today our daily bread” expresses dependence on God for provision. The prayer also highlights the need for forgiveness, with a request for God to forgive us as we forgive others. Lastly, “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” reflects a plea for spiritual protection. In Luke 11:2-4, the prayer is essentially the same, though shorter. This prayer serves as a concise and comprehensive guide to approaching God with reverence, humility, and trust in His provision and protection.
#2. Jesus’ Prayer in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39-42, Mark 14:36, Luke 22:42)
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed a deeply emotional prayer as He faced the imminent suffering of His crucifixion. In Matthew 26:39, He says, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” This shows Jesus’ intense human desire to avoid the suffering ahead, yet His submission to God’s will. In Mark 14:36, Jesus addresses God with intimacy, saying, “Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” The use of “Abba” (Father) indicates a deep, personal relationship with God. In Luke 22:42, Jesus prays, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” This moment in Gethsemane reveals Jesus’ anguish and humanity, but also His ultimate obedience to God’s plan. His prayer teaches believers the importance of submitting to God’s will, even in times of great distress or uncertainty.
#3. Jesus’ Prayer for His Disciples (John 17:6-19)
In John 17:6-19, Jesus prays for His disciples, asking God to protect and sanctify them as they continue the work He has given them. Jesus begins by acknowledging that His disciples belong to God, stating, “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world” (John 17:6). He prays for their protection from the evil one, saying, “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name” (John 17:11). Jesus also prays for their sanctification: “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). This prayer emphasizes the spiritual welfare of His followers, asking God to keep them in unity and holiness. It also shows Jesus’ deep concern for their mission and well-being as they prepare to carry on His work. His prayer teaches believers to seek protection from spiritual harm and to remain committed to the truth of God’s Word.
#4. Jesus’ Prayer for Unity (John 17:20-23)
Jesus’ prayer for unity, found in John 17:20-23, underscores the importance of harmony among His followers. He prays, “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you” (John 17:20-21). Jesus desires unity among believers, reflecting the unity between Himself and God the Father. He continues, “May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21). The unity Jesus prays for is not just for internal peace but serves as a testimony to the world about God’s love. In John 17:22-23, He links this unity to the glory of God, saying, “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one.” This prayer emphasizes the importance of unity in the body of Christ, as it reflects the unity between the Father and the Son, and it serves as a powerful witness to the world of God’s work in and through His followers.
#5. Jesus’ Prayer of Gratitude (Matthew 11:25-26, Luke 10:21-22)
In Matthew 11:25-26 and Luke 10:21-22, Jesus offers a prayer of thanksgiving to God for revealing spiritual truths to the humble rather than the wise and learned. In Matthew 11:25, He says, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.” This reflects Jesus’ joy in God’s sovereign will, as He chooses to reveal divine wisdom to those who are open and humble, not to the proud or self-reliant. In Luke 10:21, He prays, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.” Jesus’ prayer highlights the importance of humility in receiving God’s revelation. His thanksgiving also serves as a reminder that spiritual wisdom is not found in human intellect but in God’s grace.
#6. Jesus’ Cry from the Cross (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34)
At the moment of His crucifixion, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, quoting Psalm 22:1: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34). This anguished cry from the cross reflects the depth of Jesus’ emotional and spiritual suffering as He bore the sins of humanity. It speaks to the overwhelming isolation and sense of abandonment He felt in this moment, even though He continued to address God as His Father. This prayer reflects the reality of Jesus’ suffering, both physical and spiritual. The cry also fulfills prophecy, connecting Jesus’ death to the Scriptures. Though He felt forsaken, Jesus’ words demonstrate that even in His darkest moment, He remained connected to God, fulfilling His mission of redemption.
#7. Jesus’ Prayer for Forgiveness (Luke 23:34)
As Jesus hung on the cross, He uttered a prayer of forgiveness, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). This prayer demonstrates Jesus’ incredible compassion and His willingness to forgive even those who were actively crucifying Him. It is a profound example of unconditional love and forgiveness, showing that Jesus’ mission on earth was to offer grace, even to those who inflicted the most pain upon Him. His prayer reflects the core message of His ministry—that forgiveness is central to the Kingdom of God. This prayer calls believers to forgive others, no matter the offense, and highlights God’s mercy toward all humanity.
Closing Thoughts
The prayers of Jesus in the Gospels offer profound insights into His relationship with God the Father and His care for humanity. Each prayer reflects different aspects of His mission—submission to God’s will, compassion, unity, and forgiveness.
As believers, we are called to model our own prayers after Jesus’ example, seeking God’s will, relying on Him for provision, and extending grace to others. The prayers in the Gospels invite us to deepen our relationship with God, to trust in His sovereignty, and to be transformed by the example of Jesus’ life and teachings.