5 Teachings On Prayer From Jesus
Prayer is something that we never master. Maybe you disagree with that, but we will just have to agree to disagree if that’s the case. I believe that it is a lifelong pursuit in which we will discover new depths and riches as we go.
I spoke from John 16 last month in the campground I preach at. Last Sunday I spoke about five teaching that I think Jesus shows us in this chapter.
1. Jesus Teaches Prayer Has No Limits
Jesus teaches his disciples that they can ask anything in prayer. They don’t have to ask only for big things. They aren’t to ask for special things. They are not to ask about bad things. They can ask ANYTHING!!! I don’t know about you, but I don’t alway grasp that anything means anything. That is pretty incredible and much bigger than I believe we really conceive.
2. Jesus Teaches Prayer Has An Attitude
Jesus teaches that prayer must carry a special attitude. Sure, you can ask anything, but it must be done in His name. What does that mean? Does that mean we tag the words “In Jesus Name” at the end of our prayers. I don’t advise against it, but you know a well as I do that doesn’t mean you are asking in His name. Asking in Jesus’ name means that you are praying in unity with the Father. You are praying so that the Father and Christ get the glory. You are praying that God’s will is done.
3. Jesus Teaches Prayer Results In Joy
God does not owe us anything. He has given us salvation and that could be enough. Instead, Jesus says that if we ask in His name, we will receive and our joy will be made full. Imagine that for a minute. God wants our joy to be full. He wants us to live. He wants us to have joy in the midst of this life.
4. Jesus Teaches We Have Access
Jesus goes on to say that we gain a new access as He leaves. We have a different access to the Father than others had. It seems that we can ask the Father directly, rather than having someone (Him) make requests for us. Is that something else we take for granted? That we can make these requests directly to the Father like Christ could?
5. Jesus Teaches So That We Will Have Peace
Jesus concludes the chapter by saying that he has spoken these things so that his disciples will have peace. He wants them to understand what to do when anxieties and troubles come. They are to pray. What happens when you don’t pray? You won’t display a life that trusts in the Lord and exhibits peace. What does prayer prove? It proves that we dont’ trust in the things of this world, but in the One who has overcome the world.
My prayer is that each of us will take prayer more serious in our lives going forward.
Do you live a life of prayer?
Just when I think I have a handle on it, God “shows” me I don’t. Good thoughts Larry. My first statement should answer your question.
Bill, it’s a lifelong pursuit, right?
Prayer is certainly a life long journey in obedience and dependence. I’m not there yet either. Like, Bill, God is always teaching me and opening my eyes to areas that still need work in my prayer life.
It will be amazing when our eyes are completely open one day….most likely in Glory.
Good stuff, Larry. I love #1- that Jesus wants us to talk to him w/out limits/constraints, and He’s opening up the door to talk to Him about anything and everything. That is definitely evidence of a God who wants our intimacy.
Stephen, I think that is one of the most amazing things we learn….that the God of the universe is interested in knowing us.
Fantastic stuff Larry. #1 really stands out as such a unique, fresh approach! Thanks so much for sharing!
Jim, it’s pretty cool, huh?
I make it a point to pray and worship on my commute to work(35-45 minutes). Then try and pray throughout the day and then before bed. Great points today.
Thanks Dan!!! Beginning and ending the day like that is necessary, IMO.