Why Doesn’t Prayer Work? A Look at Prayer From the Example Jesus Set by Wycliffe Bible Translatorsნიმუში

More Examples Jesus Set About Prayer

Yesterday you looked at the example Jesus set through The Lord’s Prayer, but that isn’t the only time the Bible documents Jesus praying. Prayer was a big part of Jesus’ life and ministry. Luke 5:16 says that Jesus prayed regularly and “... often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (NIV). He dedicated long hours to prayer but also prayed quick prayers. Sometimes He would wake up early to pray (Mark 1:35), and sometimes He would pray through the night (Luke 6:12).

Jesus prayed for others and with others, and He would often talk to His Father in private. He prayed before, during and after miracles. He prayed before choosing His disciples. Most notably He prayed throughout the events leading up to His crucifixion and then even as He hung, dying, on the cross (John 17; Luke 23:32-24)

When Jesus was about to fulfill His purpose on earth, He prayed, “ … My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine” (Matthew 26:39, NLT). Jesus knew that God was asking for complete trust, believing that God would fulfill His plan for creation through His death on the cross.

Jesus is the perfect example of what it means to invest in an active prayer relationship with God. But for you to imitate His example, you’ll need to understand why prayer doesn’t always work the way you might want.

Questions for Reflection:

• Luke 5:16 shows how Jesus would intentionally set aside time to pray. How do you incorporate prayer into your daily routine?
• What do you typically pray for?
• Do you think you can make a difference through prayer? Why or why not?