Jesus' Practice Of Prayer Lesson 3 Series

A. INTRODUCTION

1. With Jesus in the school of prayer. First, learn the nature of prayer (what it is); second, learn prayer principles, the rule to guide you. Third, practice Jesus’ method of prayer.

2. Your prayer methods don’t get answers, your heart passion does. Your rules don’t get answers, your heart attitude does.

3. Not methods, but pray like Jesus (example), pray with Jesus (indwelling) and pray through Jesus (intercessor).

4. While prayer methods are not imperative, they point you to the Father, they provide you with handles, and they prepare your attitude and faith.

B. PRACTICE OF JESUS WHILE PRAYING

1. Jesus prayed in various places. On the mountain (Matt. 14:23), a garden (John 18:1, Matt. 26:36), the wilderness (Matt. 4:1), house (Mark 2:1), closet or secret place (Matt. 6:6), in front crowds (John 6:11), synagogue (Mark 1:21, Luke 4:16), Upper Room (restaurant) (Mark 14:23), in the Holy of Holies (John 17:1 ff), and on the cross (See below).

2. Jesus prayed at various times. In the early morning (Mark 1:35), evening (Mark 6:46), the fourth watch-middle of night (Matt. 14:23, 25). All night (Luke 6:12). “Could you not watch with me one hour?” (Matt. 26:40). Forty days in wilderness fasting (Matt. 4:2).

3. Jesus prayed short and long prayers. His longest prayer John 17, also “He prayed to God all night” (Luke 6:12). His shortest prayer, “I thirst” (John 19:28). “Father forgive them” (Luke 23:34).

4. Jesus prayed using various body positions and postures. He knelt (Luke 6:41), He stood (John 11:43), He lay on the ground (Mark 14:35), His face down (Matt. 26:39), He looked up (Mark 7:34, Luke 9:16), He lifted His eyes (Luke 6:20). Not mentioned-closed eyes, or folded hands.

5. Jesus prayed alone and prayed in front of a crowd. “Shut the door behind you and pray in private” (Matt. 6:7). He sought solitude in the mountains (Mark 6:46-47), and outside Capernaum. “He went out and departed into a solitary place and there prayed” (Mark 1:35). “Let the children come to Me . . . and He placed His hands on them and blessed them” (Matt. 19:14-15, NLT). “The seventy returned . . . He said to them . . . rejoice because your names are written in heaven . . . Jesus rejoice . . . O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, I thank you” (Luke 10:17-21).

6. Jesus prayed for people in general and for specific individuals. “Simon, satan has asked to sift you like wheat, but I have pleaded in prayer for you . . . that your faith should not fail” (Luke 22:31-32). “My prayer is not for the world, but for those . . . (disciples)” (John 17:9, NLT). “I am praying for . . . all who will ever believe” (John 17:20, NLT).

7. Jesus was motivated to pray differently. “He prayed about pressure, “Jesus became anguished and distressed” (Matt. 26:37, NLT). He worshiped, “Jesus looked to heaven . . . give glory back to You.” He praised from a happy spirit, “Jesus O Father, Lord of heaven” (Luke 10:20-21, NLT).

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.

All PBC lessons are available online at trbc.org/pbc. Go to www.Hopenow.tv for the current program schedule.

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Dr. Towns' email is ELTowns@liberty.edu

Dr. Towns’ web address is www.elmertowns.com