The Prayer Life of Jesus

Jesus was a man with a lot to do and very little time in which to do it. Yet he had time to wine and dine and laugh and share stories. He knew that very soon he must go to Jerusalem to suffer and die. Yet he poured his life into the needs of others, patiently accepting each urgent interruption and setting people free in body and mind.

We never feel that Jesus was putting on an act. There was no side to him. He never tried to live up to other people's expectations. He didn't manipulate people, treating them as 'contacts' to be used. Nor did he try to possess or smother people, imposing on them the burden of his own emotional needs.

Although he came to change the world, he didn't overwork! It's true that on occasions he got up early, or missed a meal, or fell asleep from exhaustion. But surely these occasions are mentioned because they are the exception rather than the rule . . .

In everything he had integrity. He cared nothing for class distinction or accent. He was not impressed by power or worldly position. When he was angry, he was 'perfectly' angry - not over-reacting in a fit of pique. When he challenged the divisions and delusions of society, he did so out of love---love for the unlovely outsider, and the crabby insider.

Finally, as he gave up his life on the cross, he was able to shout “It is finished!” It was an extraordinary claim to make.

No doubt there were still lepers in caves, cripples on crutches, and women on the streets. There were certainly shortsighted and blinkered scholars, still picking over the bones of the Law. But the work of Jesus was 'finished'. He had done the work his Father sent him to do. No more and no less.

How did Jesus come by such insight and balance?

His secret was prayer.

In prayer, Jesus realized he was God's Son. He basked in the

relationship, calling God 'Abba' — the first word uttered by a Hebrew child: 'Dad'.

For Jesus, prayer was like a good meal. He felt nourished. Well fed. Complete.

He spoke of 'abiding' in the Father. Prayer charged his batteries and gave him power for life.

In prayer, Jesus realized his mission. His Father had sent him to be the light of the world, the living bread, the water of life . . .

He knew also that he was the Suffering Servant, the Lamb of God, born to bear the sin of the world.

Knowing who he was, and realizing what he had to do, Jesus embarked on his life's work. In so doing, he did not leave prayer behind. For him, prayer was as vital as breathing. And so, from time to time, he would turn aside from the clamor of people's demands, and refresh himself in the Father's love.

For Jesus, prayer was nothing less than a relationship. A way of life.

This discussion of Jesus’ example in prayer was written by Andrew Knowles and is taken from his book, Finding Faith.   (Belleville, MI.: Lion Publishing, 1983.)  We think it’s a great explanation of what Jesus was all about.