During the days of Jesus’ life, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Hebrews 5:7
It is impossible to become Christ-like without becoming a person of prayer.
Jesus started and ended his ministry with prayer.
So must we!
Make prayer a lifestyle.
According to Hebrews 5:7, prayer was not a ritual for Jesus to be done only at certain times; it was a continual practice. Jesus found joy in his Father’s presence. It was while he prayed the Spirit’s anointing came upon him. (Luke 3:21). The Father spoke to him as he prayed. (Luke 3:22). It was while he prayed that the Father told him whom to choose to be his disciples.
Jesus prayed before critical decisions and after difficult challenges. He prayed about picking his disciples. He prayed before breaking the loaves and fish. He prayed early in the morning and at night while he was awaiting his arrest. He prayed with his disciples and he prayed alone.
The disciples saw Jesus minister to the multitudes, but they knew that even though he ministered to “great multitudes,” he regularly withdrew into the wilderness and prayed” (Luke 5:16). The disciples knew their Master as one who “went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” (Luke 6:12).
The conclusion for the disciples was inescapable: Jesus’ prayer life was the key to both his life and ministry. When he prayed, he left us the pattern for prayer and ministry.
Pray passionately.
Jesus was not timid or shy when he prayed. He knew God was not deaf so he didn’t need to shout. But at the same time, he knew God was not nervous so he could pray “with loud cries and tears.” Jesus meant business when he prayed. There was intensity to his praying. Passionless prayer is always a drudgery but passionate prayer is liberating and rewarding.
Remember to whom you are praying.
Jesus never forgot to whom he was praying. He prayed “to the one who could save him…” Prayer is not wishful thinking with our words drifting aimlessly off into the air. Prayer is a conversation with the Creator-God who is attentive to the cries of our hearts. Prayer is communication with God Almighty, the one who “upholds all things by the word of his power.”
Pray with reverent submission.
Jesus prayed with “reverent submission.” Prayer is not asking God to do what we want; prayer is aligning ourselves with God’s will. His answers will always be gracious, merciful and wise. He knows best! Prayer is not demanding that God listen to our ideas. Prayer is discovering his perfect plan. Praying “Thy will be done” is not a concession to what is second best; it is a demonstration of trust in his mercy and wisdom.
You will be heard!
“And he was heard.” The Father heard Jesus’ prayer and he will hear your prayer. He will answer you in one of four ways. 1. Yes. 2. No. 3. Yes, but not now. 4. Yes, but not your way. Be assured there is always an answer.
We spend a great deal of time praying about personal needs and issues in our ministries. There is nothing wrong with that kind of praying. We are encouraged to bring our requests to God.
But there is more to prayer. Prayer is bathing ourselves in God’s presence. Prayer is becoming familiar with his voice and sensitive to his promptings. Prayer is first of all, an acknowledgement of God’s greatness and holiness. Prayer is surrendering and submitting to his purposes.
All ministry must be rooted in prayer. We will only go forward and will only accomplish God’s purposes as we passionately bathe ourselves in his presence with “loud cries and tears.” Prayer cannot be casual or flippant; there must be intensity and passion. The conviction of the Holy Spirit which brings conversion only takes place after we pray.
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