Understanding Prayer: Why Did Jesus Pray When He Was God?
Introduction
Good morning. Today, we will explore a profound question: Why did Jesus pray when He was God? This question not only deepens our understanding of Jesus’ divine and human nature but also offers powerful lessons on the importance of prayer in our lives. By examining Jesus’ prayer life, we can gain insights into His relationship with the Father and the example He set for us.
The Dual Nature of Jesus
Jesus Christ is unique in that He possesses both divine and human natures. This is a foundational truth of our faith, known as the hypostatic union.
Scripture Reference: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:1, 14)
Key Point: Jesus, being fully God and fully human, experienced life as we do, including the need for prayer and communion with God.
Jesus’ Example of Dependence on the Father
Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus often withdrew to pray, demonstrating His dependence on the Father and the importance of prayer.
Scripture Reference: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35)
Explanation: Jesus’ prayer life highlights His relationship with the Father and sets an example for us to follow in seeking God’s guidance and strength.
Prayer as a Means of Communion
Prayer was a way for Jesus to commune with the Father, reflecting the intimate relationship within the Trinity. This communion was essential for Jesus as He fulfilled His mission on earth.
Scripture Reference: “After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone.” (Matthew 14:23)
Key Point: Jesus’ prayers were moments of intimate communion with the Father, reinforcing their unity and the love within the Trinity.
Prayer for Guidance and Strength
Jesus prayed for guidance and strength, especially during critical moments of His ministry. His prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane before His crucifixion are a poignant example.
Scripture Reference: “Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’” (Matthew 26:39)
Explanation: Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane demonstrates His submission to the Father’s will and His reliance on prayer for strength to face His impending suffering.
Intercessory Prayer
Jesus also prayed on behalf of others, exemplifying the role of intercessory prayer. His high priestly prayer in John 17 reveals His concern for His disciples and future believers.
Scripture Reference: “I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.” (John 17:9)
Key Point: Jesus’ intercessory prayers teach us the importance of praying for others, seeking God’s blessings and protection for them.
Teaching Us to Pray
Through His example and teachings, Jesus showed us how to pray. The Lord’s Prayer is a model for our prayers, emphasizing reverence, dependence, and seeking God’s will.
Scripture Reference: “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’” (Matthew 6:9-10)
Explanation: Jesus provided a framework for prayer that includes praise, submission, and petitions, guiding us in our own prayer lives.
Lessons for Today
1. Embrace Prayer: Follow Jesus’ example by making prayer an integral part of your daily life. Seek God’s guidance, strength, and communion through prayer.
Scripture Reference: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (Colossians 4:2)
2. Seek Intimacy with God: Use prayer as a means to deepen your relationship with God, experiencing His presence and love.
Scripture Reference: “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18)
3. Pray for Others: Engage in intercessory prayer, lifting up the needs of others and asking for God’s intervention and blessings in their lives.
Scripture Reference: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.” (1 Timothy 2:1)
Conclusion
Jesus’ prayer life is a powerful example for us to follow. Even though He was God, He prayed to the Father, demonstrating His dependence, seeking guidance, and interceding for others. Let us embrace prayer, seek intimacy with God, and follow Jesus’ example in our daily lives.
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Jesus’ prayer life. Help us to follow His example, deepening our relationship with You through prayer. Guide us, strengthen us, and help us to intercede for others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Comments