The Commands of Jesus
Pray
Key Hebrew and Greek words for prayer
- Hebrew
- Tephillah – intercession, deprecation; entreaty, supplication.
- Root is palal – to pronounce judgment.
- Implication – to judge something so important and beyond our power that we need help from someone more powerful.
- Prayer is an act of humility; a confession that we are powerless to accomplish something and need the help of someone greater.
Two things to remember when it comes to Jesus and prayer
- Jesus taught about prayer with an expectation that God’s people pray.
- Jesus set the example of how God’s people should pray.
Jesus’s example
- Blesses and gives thanks for God’s provision – Matt 14:5, Mark 8:6-7 and Luke 22:14-23, 24:16.
- Regular withdrawing to spend time in prayer – Matthew 14:23, Mark 14:32-42; Luke 5:16
Prayers of Jesus
- Matthew 11:25-26
- Mark 14:36; 15:34
- Luke 22:32
- John 11:41-42; John 12:28 and John 17
Learning from his example
- Pray everyday in a scheduled time of devoted communion with God.
- …when making important decisions.
- …in times of distress and need.
- …in times when God provides.
- …in times when God’s family is in need.