The importance of prayer in our daily lives as Christians is still often underestimated. We are pressed from
all kinds of things around us, and soon there is no time anymore for prayer. This study does show from the example of
the records in the gospels about Jesus Christ how important prayer was to him; in addition some scriptures are included
from which we can grasp as well the great benefit of prayer.
We all today are more or less part of a certain
rhythm of life which is characterized by high speed, a very hectic approach to things and quite many different demands
on us, and which does hardly ever leave us time to devote to more quiet activities and to being still. God very often
remains outside of the field of view, and perhaps some may have heard the question, "Well, who nowadays still has time
to pray?" For some, life today happens so fast and goes by in such high speeds that they claim to have absolutely no
time for just about anything. But then, of course, they are so busy with all sorts of things each and every day and
keep piling on some more activities in addition to what supposedly doesn't leaven them any time in the first
place.
Now, of course, there can really be no talk about "not having any time". We all have the same time, as long as we are alive. The only ones who "know no time" are the dead for in death there is no concsiousness and therefore also no awareness of time.(1) We all, all who are alive, have 24 hours each day, we have 7 days a week, 365 days in a year and every 4 years an additional day. We all have the same time available to us. We do have time – the question however is, how and what for we use it. Often unfortunately those things which are really the most important are given the least or no time.
For us Christians, born again sons of God, it is of utmost importance that we give prayer the position and importance which it deserves in our daily walk. The Scriptures do convey to us clearly and in no uncertain terms the great importance which prayer to our heavenly Father has, and they do teach what tremendous fruit a really intimate prayer life can bear for us. One of the first things we are to know is the truth, that it is God’s expressed will that we turn to Him in prayer and ask His help and support in our prayers to Him.
1 Timothy 2:1-3:
I exhort therefore, that, first of all [first of all!], supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
"First of all" – this is the place given to prayer here. Four different aspects or forms of prayer are then mentioned: supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks. Prayer comes first of all, when we are speaking of what we can do to lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness. "First of all" we are to pray! Next, we are told who to pray for – "for all men, for kings and for all that are in authority". The purpose and aim for our prayers is also mentioned – it serves for our good. We do not pray that they may enjoy prosperity or otherwise have a good time or that they be able to reach a certain political position; no, we pray for them so that we may be able to lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. Our prayer for all men, for kings and for those in authority is our first step so that we can walk in the way which God has made available to us. Prayer paves the way so that we can live as a God fearing people in a godly manner and in all honesty.
The most remarkable example for prayer is our lord Jesus Christ. If someone supposedly would have had no time for prayer because of the many demands on his life, Jesus Christ surely would have to be named among the first ones in that category. The gospels record of the many things which he got done in a very short and brief period of time in order to accomplish the work which he had been sent to accomplish by his heavenly Father. Many Christians think that he didn't need to pray because he was the Son of God; for some he is God, and God doesn't pray to himself anyway. The records in God's Word tell us what Jesus Christ did, they tell us of the steps which he took in order to do in all things that which pleased his Father
There is an interesting scripture in Mark 1 which provides insight into Jesus walk and which contains an indication about the great importance which he gave prayer to God
Mark 1:21-34
And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.
And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,
Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.
And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.
And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.
And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.
And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.
And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.
And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.
And all the city was gathered together at the door.
And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.
This was a day full of different events with an unbelievable amount of work so that one could have perhaps expected that Jesus, after all these strenuous efforts, would try and sleep in a little bit the next day. But this is not the case.
Mark 1:35
And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
Instead of sleeping in a bit, he got up especially early and made time, he took time, to pray to God. Someone else would have perhaps rescheduled some of those folks with a disease to come back the next day in order to have some time to pray; some would have perhaps rescheduled the praying that morning to the following day. This is not what Jesus did. He made himself available to those who had come and were seeking his help, and he decided to rather manage with less sleep so that he would definitely not bypass the time for quiet prayer to God. And it didn't take very long, until new challenges were demanding his attention.
Mark 1:36-39
And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.
And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.
And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.
And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.
Jesus' days were filled with challenges and demands upon him which he had to accomplish in order to do the will of God. He healed the sick, he cast out evil spirits, he taught at many occasions the Word of God, he cared diligently for his disciples. People with many kinds of needs came to him, and he did help them all.
Especially in those times and situations when he was under immense pressure and high demands were made upon him, when very much needed to get done, we see how Jesus Christ actually made the time, how he took the time to be by himself and have a bit of quietness in order to pray. He also only had 24 hours each day, and the course of events was as it has always been at other times as well. But Jesus took the time, and in this instance it was even before the break of day, before everything else got going for that day.
In Matthew 14, we can read about the feeding of the 5000. They had come across the lake of Genezareth and had gone up a certain mountain. There, Jesus had taught and following his teaching had fed the whole assembled multitude by means of a miracle. Now, quite interesting and important for our study is what happened afterwards.
Matthew 14:22-25
And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
Jesus first went apart to a place where he could be alone. Again, he purposely took this time, several hours, in order to pray. This obviously was very important to him – this time to pray, to talk over things with his heavenly Father in order to get to know the will of his Father, in order to deepen his fellowship with God in prayer. This most definitely had a vital and decisive impact for him to be able to do the things which he then did and for him to walk according to God's will in the way which he did.
These hours in prayer actually did not even turn out to be a disadvantage regarding his travel plans, because he even got to his disciples before they had reached their destination, albeit in a quite unusual manner.
Matthew 14:26 and 27
And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
After this day already had seen remarkable events, the night also turned out to become another unforgettable experience. Peter was courageous and he wanted to make sure this was really Jesus who tried to pass them by foot on the lake.
Matthew 14:28 and 29
And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
Jesus was on his way by foot over the lake, and now Peter was walking on the water as well! He had the assurance he had been looking for, but then a slight problem arose when he looked at the wind and became frightened because he began to sink.
However, Peter was at least smart and cried out for help immediately. He did not act as some Christians do today who wait until the water is rising up to their neck and then they still do not ask for help because they think they can manage it and help themselves to get out of trouble. Peter did not act that way, when he noticed that he was beginning to sink he cried out for help.
Matthew 14:30-32
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
By the way, they did not swim back to the boat, but they walked back and stepped in to the boat. What a night – but it had started for Jesus Christ already a few hours earlier with a quiet time of prayer. The time, he seemed to have "lost" by praying, he made up in a miraculous way. If the disciples hadn't disrupted his journey, he would actually even have arrived at their destination before them.
Praying was not only something Jesus did before or while he was in difficult situations; it was something which he planned and incorporated into his schedule all the time. God's Word tells us in different places that he prayed, as in Luke 5.
Luke 5:16
And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
Jesus often went to solitary places to pray, places that provided quietness and allowed him to be still. He wanted to be undisturbed from outward influences, which is something we ought to also take into consideration when we plan our prayer life.
In Luke 6, we then have the record about a very important event in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Once again, prayer was of great importance in that matter.
Luke 6:12
And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Jesus Christ had the plan and the aim to pray, and he sought a quiet and appropriate location for this purpose and carried out what he had purposed to do. Here, he continued all night in prayer. That night, praying had obviously preeminence over sleeping.
The next verse explains to us why Jesus had turned to God in prayer in such an intense manner
Luke 6:13
And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
This was a difficult decision to make, and Jesus did not make this decision just "off the top of his head". He also didn't just trust his own considerations and his own judgment and then slept a night over the matter. No, he did consider this carefully and evaluated his decision but more important, he made known the matter before God in prayer. He spent a whole night in prayer, but then in the morning he knew exactly whom to chose.
In Luke 9, once again we have a record about the feeding of the five thousand
Luke 9:14-18
For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.
And they did so, and made them all sit down.
Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.
And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.
And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?
Before he fed them, Jesus thanked his heavenly Father as he blessed the food. Afterwards he stayed back and prayed for some time when only his disciples were with him.
Luke 11 records an instruction about prayer which Jesus provided for his disciples.
Luke 11:1
And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
It is obviously possible to instruct others regarding prayer. John the Baptist had taught his disciples about praying, and Jesus did it here with his disciples, because we can read that he accommodated the desire and demand of his disciples.
Luke 11:2
And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, …
What follows is a prayer which serves as an example, as an encouragement, as a model of how to properly pray. It was not designed as a fixed prayer which was to be repeated verbatim after him by the disciples or others! This prayer served as an instruction for the disciples, it was a teaching to them about how they could pray to God.
Luke 11:2-3
… When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
Give us day by day our daily bread.
The disciples learned from Jesus' example how they could speak to God, what they could expect from God, what they should pray for in their prayer and what their supplication should be.
This event is also recorded in Matthew 6. There, some details are mentioned which are remarkable for our study.
Matthew 6:5-9
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
This section illustrates important points about prayer. Our praying is to be directed to God, to the Father. Prayer is not for the purpose to receive any reward from people. Prayer also is not to be an empty and meaningless reciting,(2) as if many words accomplished more than a few words. Furthermore, we are definitely to pray, even though God knows what we need even before we ask of Him. Some people think that they do not need to pray for this reason, but here it says distinctly, "Therefore pray ye …"
Jesus put much weight on prayer to God, the heavenly Father. And he took the time to teach his disciples about praying to Him.
Matthew 26 records a very difficult situation in the life of Jesus Christ. What is mentioned here, happened after Jesus' last meal with his disciples before he was betrayed and taken captive.
Matthew 26:36-39
Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt
Especially in this very tense situation, Jesus again took time to pray. The words of his prayer which are recorded here are a great lesson about prayer. Many people at times think that prayer is when we command God or when we inform Him of what we would like for Him to do and what we need. But such thinking is reproved when we consider Jesus' words here, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." He does not speak of what is his will, but his concern is what is God's will!
Matthew 26:40 and 41
And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Jesus even took one hour of time to pray before he returned to come back to the disciples. However, they had fallen asleep in the meantime.
Jesus' words about the spirit and the flesh are oftentimes used in a completely different and actually inappropriate context – as a weak excuse when something hasn't been done as intended. "The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" – this was no excuse for the disciples. It was part of an admonition! Jesus recognized and knew that they in the innermost part of their being, in their hearts, had been willing to keep watch; now they should with a stronger heart overcome the weakness of their flesh and watch. Jesus did not try and comfort Peter with these words, "Peter, I understand how this goes. Your spirit was willing, but unfortunately the flesh is weak, therefore just keep on sleeping." No! A strong will, determination and perseverance in the heart make possible to even take time to pray when the body would rather like to do something else.
Matthew 26:42 and 43
He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.
We can easily talk about this for we perhaps haven't been in such or a similar heavy situation and never experienced such pressure. Their lord was sorrowful unto death, had been speaking of being crucified and of his death. They all sensed that terrible things lay ahead. The days just before this time had been physically demanding, had been filled with instruction and teaching as well as the preparations for the upcoming feast. In addition, the animosity of the Pharisees and Sadducees who were seeking Jesus' life was increasing. Then, finally, they had some time for a quiet evening meal, only they had hardly sat down when Jesus began to speak of things which caused the hearts of the disciples to become even more heavy burdened. It certainly is understandable that their eyes were heavy and full of sleep – nevertheless, now was the time when watchfulness and prayer were especially needed.
Matthew 26:44
And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
When it says here that he said the same words, it still was not an empty or vain repetition. Jesus for sure did not just repeat these few words for a whole hour. He was facing a very difficult decision, and he needed this time and three times of turning to God until God's will was absolutely established for him and until he was ready in his heart to carry it out.
Matthew 26:45-46
Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
The tone of voice in which Jesus now uttered these words was a completely different one than before when he prayed. Before, it said that he was sorrowful unto death and that he had been heavy, but now after the prayer it says, "Rise, let us be going!" After this prayer Jesus was no longer sorrowful or heavy, but Jesus was ready to face the upcoming situation which was awaiting him with peace on the inside and in absolute conviction that he was doing God's will.
This last example of prayer in the life of Jesus Christ shows also very nicely the benefit of prayer and what it accomplishes in the heart. This passage reminds us a bit of two verses in Philippians 4.
Philippians 4:6-7
Be careful for nothing [do not anxiously be concerned for anything]; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Several people try to approach things just in the opposite way. They are anxiously concerned about everything, and the more they get concerned and fear for their matters the better they seem to be feeling about the whole thing. Mind and reason are used to a large degree in order to find solutions. They think and think and think again, the fear is developing until frustration and despair set in, but a solution is still not really in sight.
We do have a different possibility – which is make time to pray and make our requests be known before God! Prayer to God is our first step to a solution. Once the matter has been settled in prayer with God, the peace of God which is greater than all our understanding, can and will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
When we think of the truth that we today as Christians even have another means of prayer available which was not available to those before the time of the church of the body of Christ, we should soon realize that it is of the greatest benefit to us to make time to pray. 1 Corinthians 14 mentions this form of prayer which is open and available to all believers after the day of Pentecost.
1 Corinthians 14:14 and 15
For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
We, like Paul, have both possibilities for prayer: (1) Prayer with the spirit, here referred to as praying with the spirit, and (2) prayer with the understanding, as it was available also in the times of the Old Testament and during the times spoken of in the Gospels. We have both possibilities, whereby the speaking in tongues or praying in tongues is an important part of our own growth and edification.(3) In verse 15 another matter is emphasized, "I will pray …" We must will to pray!
In prayer we show forth our fellowship with God, we let Him be part of the various matters in our lives, we thank Him for His goodness and kindness to us. Some passages in the book of Psalms give us already a tremendous picture of the relationship between man and God in prayer.
Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
It may perhaps be very difficult today to become quiet and still because we are surrounded by so many, many things. On the other hand, perhaps that is why it would be so very important and necessary to make the time to become still and quiet. With prayer, it also is made clear who has which part – God is God, and we are man who need His help.
Psalm 73:21-26
Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
Even in times of great trouble and tribulation, a times of great need, we need not and should not forget God! He is also the strength of our heart and our portion for ever.
Psalm 50:14 and 15
Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:
And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.
Psalm 91:14-16
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
Our first emergency number to call is GOD. When we are in need, we contact Him with our needs. God is always
ready and able to help, its just that we sometimes aren't ready to ask and accept His help. We are full of anxiety and
hectic in situations, and quite many things are done in an attitude of "Now or never!" That's the lifestyle of this
world which is being pushed upon us in manifold ways. But we should not live that way.(4) We
simply cannot afford to not take time in order to involve God in our lives by prayer and to not ask Him.
It is a
great challenge to change our lifestyle in that manner. The example of Jesus Christ should serve as admonition because
we do want to follow him and we do want to walk with the power of God in our lives. Jesus Christ first sought to know
the will of his heavenly Father, and therefore he turned to God in prayer, and only after God's will was known to him
did he act. Then he knew what he was to do and how he could step by step approach the tasks at hand and overcome in all
things. He always had the time to pray, or better – he always made the time to pray. Sometimes it meant getting up
a bit earlier, sometimes it meant not going to sleep at all, sometimes staying up longer.
But we should also notice another important point here, which is that prayer never is an excuse to get out of something which needs to be done. The time to pray we are not "to steal" from something else which is necessary, it is arranged and taken in addition to the necessary items which we need to do and it is not taken from those things which we must do.
The time which we make or take for prayer is certainly not going to be a time we lose – just the opposite is true! It will always be a high point of our lives and will help us to reach hitherto unknown peaks in our walk with God.
(1) Cp. Ecclesiastes 9:5 and 10: "For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing …" and "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."
(2) It is somewhat astonishing that it is this particular prayer which is used in a number of denominations in such a way. People just voice the words of this prayer, in some cases even repeating it several times. Such a procedure was not intended by Jesus and was refuted as something which only the heathen do because they know not God!
(3) Cp. 1 Corinthians 14:4.
(4) Cp. Romans 12:2.