Let us pray – Part 37

John reported that Jesus sometimes prayed aloud for the benefit of those present (John 11:41-42). He also reported Jesus’ prayer of intercession for the first disciples and future believers (Jn. 17). Both prayers display Jesus’ unity with the Father and desire to give Him glory (John 11:4; 17:1). The Lord’s prayer (Matt 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4) is taught to disciples who realise the kingdom is present, but still to come in all its fullness. Significantly, the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray after watching Him pray (Luke 11:1). The prayer also provides a contrast to hypocritical prayers (Matt 6:5). Although it is permissible to repeat this prayer, it may be well to remember Jesus was emphasising how to pray, not what to pray.

Jesus also corrected some abuses and misunderstandings regarding prayer. Firstly, prayer is not to be offered to impress others. Disciples should rather seek a storage closet or a shed and pray in private. Jesus did not reject group prayer, but this warning might apply to a believer who prays to impress a congregation (Mat 6:5-6).

Secondly, Jesus also prohibited long-winded attempts that try to manipulate God. While Jesus prayed for long periods of time (Luke 6:12; Mark 1:35) and repeated Himself (Mark 14:36-42), He called for people to trust their Father and not their own eloquence or fervour. Jesus’ teaching on persistence in prayer is linked to the inbreaking kingdom (Luke 11:5-28; 18:1-8). God is not like the reluctant neighbour, even though Christians may have to wait for answers (Luke 11:13; 18:6-8). The ironies of prayers are evident: God knows our needs, yet we must ask; God is ready to answer, yet we must patiently persist. Children of the kingdom will have their requests heard (Mat 6:8, 7:7-11; 21:22; John 14:13; 15:7,16; 16:23; cp. 1 John 3:22; 5:14; James 1:5), particularly believers gathered in Jesus’ name (Matt 18:19). In Hebrew thought the name was mysteriously linked to the person’s character and prerogatives. Thus prayer in Jesus’ name is prayer that is seeking His will and submissive to His authority (Jn. 14:13; 1 Jn. 5:14).

The early church remembered Jesus’ teaching regarding Holy Spirit, prayer, and the kingdom mission. The disciples prayed awaiting the Holy Spirit’s outpouring (Acts 1:14). The early church is characterised by prayers (Acts 2:42). They prayed regarding selection of leaders (Acts 1:24; 6:6; 13:3), during persecution (Acts 4:24-30; 12:5,12) and in preparing to heal (Acts 9:40; 28:8). Calling upon God’s name—prayer—is the first act and true mark of a believer (Acts 2:21; 9:14,21; 22:16).

Paul’s ministry reflected his constant prayer of intercession and thanksgiving (1 Tim 2:1; Eph 1:16; 5:4; Acts 9:11). The Lord spoke to Paul in prayers (Acts 22:17). Prayer is crucial in continuing the Christian life (Rom 12:12).
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