What It's Like To Be Christ-Like Prayer Series

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE CHRIST-LIKE – PRAYER

I. A look at how Christ prayed.

A. Without ceasing: the Fact that Christ prayed often shows the need for Christians to pray.

B. At the Beginning of his public ministry and baptism.

Luke 3:21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened.

C. Before making an important decision: on the night he selected his Twelve Apostles.

Luke 6:12 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

D. He Prayed at night Luke 6:12.

E. He prayed in the morning--a good time to pray free from distractions and starts the day right.

Mark 1:35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.

F. He prayed alone

Matthew 14:23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on a mountain by Himself to pray. And when evening had come, He was alone there.

G. He prayed when with his friends

John 17:1 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You,

H. Christ prayed when breaking bread

Mark 8:6 And He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And He took the seven loaves and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and they set them before the multitude.

I. His prayers were often short and to the point (i.e. the prayers on the cross.

1. With the Christian’s busy schedule and so much time seemingly wasted in the car. We would do well to learn to pray as the need arises.

J. He prayed in times of deep sorrow

Matt. 26:36-44.

K. He prayed fervently.

Hebrews 5:7 (NIV) During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, 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.

L. He prayed recognizing the wisdom of the will of God.

Luke 22:42 (NIV) "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."

M. He prayed to the end: on the cross.

N. Luke 23:34 (NIV) Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing . . ..”

O. Luke 23:46 (NIV) Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.

Conclusion:

1 Surely no prayer-less person can be a follower of the one who prayed so much.