One of Jesus’ distinguishing traits was his prayer life. So much so that his disciples came to him and said, “Teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). They were not spiritual novices. They knew how to pray. But they saw something qualitatively different about Jesus’ prayers. They weren’t really saying, “Teach us to pray.” They were saying, “Teach us to pray the way YOU pray.”
Top Ten Jesus Prayers
Most of Jesus’ prayers were not documented. As it should be. Ninety-nine percent of your prayer life should be unseen and undocumented (Matt. 6:6). So, what can we learn from ten of Jesus’ most important recorded prayers? Here are my picks for his top ten prayers.
10. “Give me today my daily bread” (Matt. 6:11).
Pray for the simple things that truly sustain life.
9. “Thy Kingdom come” (Matt. 6:10).
Pray for the Gospel to spread through all the earth.
8. “Take this cup from me (Matt. 26:39).
Ask God to deal with your greatest fears.
7. “Deliver me from evil” (Matt. 6:13).
Ask God to cover you in the face of evil.
6. “May they be one as we are one” (John 17:22).
Ask God to make all his children one in spirit and love.
5. “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
Ask God to forgive those who are hurting you.
4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34).
Ask God the hard questions … like, why he feels so far away sometimes.
3. “Father, Glorify your name” (John 12:28).
Ask God to make his glory obvious to everyone around you.
2. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46).
Commit your life and spirit into God’s hands every day.
1. “Your will be done” (Matt. 6:10; 26:39).
The ultimate prayer … and the only one that is indispensable.
These ten prayers reflect the essence of Jesus’ public prayer life. But, remember, they are only the tip of the iceberg. Jesus’ prayer life was more powerful than we can possibly imagine. Work at these ten and you’ll be off to a good start!
