Learning From The Prayers Of Jesus - Part 4 Series

INTRODUCTION

• In our First Study we discussed the model prayer that Jesus used to teach His disciples how to pray. We called this “The Lord’s Prayer”.

• In our Second Study we looked at the prayers that Jesus prayed during His Baptism, while feeding the 5000 and on the Mount of Transfiguration.

• In our Third Study we discussed the prayer that Jesus prayed for His disciples, His prayer at the tomb of Lazarus and His prayers for us.

• Today, in our Final Study of this series, we will be discussing some of the different themes of Jesus prayers.

• Why is this study necessary?

• Because prayer is an intimate exercise and by studying the prayers of Jesus we have an inside look at His heart.

• We can use His prayer practices as effective models for our prayer lives.

• It’s our communication tool with our Heavenly Father!

INTRODUCTION ENDED

I. THEME #1 - GIVING THANKS

A. The Gospel writers use two different Greek words to refer to Jesus prayers before meals.

1. The first is eulogeo, which literally means “good words.”

2. The second word is eucharisteo. The root word found in eucharisteo is charis, or joy. Joyful thanksgiving; heartfelt, overflowing gratitude — this is eucharisteo.

a) The word “Eucharist” is often used to describe communion.

b) Exposition: Communion should be received with reverential joy!

B. The Scriptures record 24 public prayers that Jesus prayed.

1. Of these 24 prayers, 12 (one half) of them were Prayers of Thanksgiving.

C. The Scriptures encourage us to Give Thanks

1. When should we be thankful? - Everyday

Psalms 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

2. What should we be thankful for? - All things

Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

a) Dirty Dishes - It means we had food to eat

b) Dirty Floors - It means we have a roof over our heads

c) Rowdy Kids - It means they are healthy

d) Our Work - It means we get the opportunity to provide for our loved ones

e) Our Church - It means we have a place to connect with others in Christian Community

f) Our Nation - The Land of the Free & Home of the Brave

g) Our Faith - It brings us hope

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

3. We have a lot, and I mean a lot, to be thankful for!

Psalms 95:1-2 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

II. THEME #2 - COMMUNION (QUALITY TIME WITH THE FATHER)

A. Jesus spent a lot of quality time with our Heavenly Father

1. He would retire to the mountains for nighttime prayer

2. He spent forty days in the wilderness fasting and praying at the beginning of His ministry. (He talked with the Father and overcame the devil) etc.

B. Jesus prayed for us that we would have a close relationship with God

1. God wants to live in us!

John 14:23 - KJV Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

John 14:23 - MSG "Because a loveless world," said Jesus, "is a sightless world. If anyone loves me, he will carefully keep my word and my Father will love him—we'll move right into the neighborhood!

2. WE CAN WALK WITH GOD LIKE JESUS DID! This kind of relationship is motivated by desire…

Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

Psalms 42:1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

3. Holy Spirit will help us be as close to God as we desire!

John 14:15-16 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

• Quality Time Story:

III. THEME #3 - SURRENDER (NOT MY WILL)

A. Jesus modeled surrender throughout His life.

1. The Cross is the most powerful sign of surrender that we see in the life of Jesus.

John 10:17-18

17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.