(This was a two week lesson I taught to our World Changers class, which is made up of young elementary students)
I. Jesus gave us an example to follow (in all of life) John 13:15 “For I gave you an example….” Jesus
I John 2:6 “The one who says he abides in Him ought Himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.” The apostle John
II. Jesus prayed often, Jesus prayed early, and Jesus prayed long.
A. Often – Luke 5:16 “But Jesus Himself would often slip away into the wilderness and pray.”
B. Early – Isaiah 50:4,5 “….He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. The Lord God has opened My ear and I was not disobedient…”
Mark 1:35 “In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.”
C. Long (sometimes) – “It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God.” Luke 6:12
III. Jesus prayed when happy, sad, and in between
A. Happy – Luke 10:21 “At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight.”
B. Sad – Matthew 14:13 “Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself;…”
John 12:27,28 “Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, ‘Father, save Me from this hour? But for this purpose I came to this hour. “Father, glorify Your name.”
C. In between – Luke 3:21 “Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened,”
“I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8
IV. Jesus prayed for Himself, for His disciples, future disciples, children, His enemies, etc.
A. For Himself – John 17:1-5 “Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You,…glorify Me together with Yourself,..”
Matthew 26:36-45
B. For His disciples – John 17:9, 11 “I ask ….(for) those whom You have given me…
1.keep them in Your name….”; vs. 11 “keep them from the evil one”; vs. 15; “sanctify them in the truth” vs. 17
2. Ex. of praying for Peter - Luke 22:31-34 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
C. For future disciples/us – John 17:20 “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me ….”
Heb. 7:25 “Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”
D. For children – Matthew 19:13 “Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them.” Mark 10:16 “And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.”
E. For His enemies – Luke 23:34 “But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing……”
V. Who would God have us pray for?
A. Myself
B. My parents and siblings
C. My cousins, uncles, aunts, grandparents
D. My neighbors
E. My pastors and teachers
F. My brothers and sisters at church
G. My teachers and friends at school
H. My enemies