Dean's Devos: "Lessons on Prayer from Jesus"

by Dr. John Harvey

Of the four gospels, Luke’s Gospel tells us the most about Jesus and prayer. We can learn four lessons from what Luke tells us about Jesus’ example of and instructions on prayer.

Lesson #1: For Jesus, prayer was private (Luke 5:16).

As busy as he was, Jesus made it a point to find time to be alone with his heavenly Father every day. What is the time you have set aside every day for a private conversation with your heavenly Father?

Lesson #2: For Jesus, prayer was a priority (Luke 6:12).

Jesus regularly got up and prayed in the morning while it was still dark, On the night before his chose his disciples he prayed all night. Do you make prayer your first priority, or is it your last resort?

Lesson #3: For Jesus, prayer was passionate (Luke 22:39-46).

When Jesus prayed in the Gethsemane, he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground. When was the last time you were that passionate about a request you were bringing to the Father?

Lesson #4: For Jesus, prayer should be persistent (Luke 11:5-10).

Jesus told his disciples to keep on seeking knocking, and asking because God is listening and knows how to give good gifts when his children ask. What is one request about which you need to be more persistent in prayer?