Throughout the Gospels, and in this passage in Hebrews, we observe that Jesus often prayed out loud. This is new to some people. Ellen White made a fascinating comment in the book Our High Calling: “Learn to pray aloud where only God can hear you” (p. 130). Praying out loud focuses the mind and keeps it from wandering.
4. What counsel did Jesus give His followers regarding the priority of prayer?
“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). That men ought to and not lose .
This verse introduces the parable of the persistent widow, in which Jesus reveals the importance of perseverance in prayer. Although God is not like the judge who threatens to turn the woman away, the story does reveal God’s love for the powerless and defenseless who regularly call out to Him.
5. How did Jesus assure Peter about future events in his life?
“And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to me, strengthen your brethren” (Luke 22:31, 32). Jesus told Peter, “I have
for you.”
This must have been incredibly good news for Peter. Jesus was praying for him. It is also good news for us.
6. What assurance does Jesus give each one of us? Use the lines below to describe what this means to you personally.
“I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours” (John 17:9) “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word” (verse 20).
Jesus not only prayed for His disciples; He is praying for you and me before the throne of God. This ought to give us great assurance and confidence.
7. Why is united intercessory prayer so powerful? What promise did Jesus give to
those who seek Him in prayer in small prayer groups, when two or three gather together? Identify what you consider the two most important statements in this passage. “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:19, 20). 1. 2.
Jesus’ prayer life revealed His intimate relationship with His heavenly Father. Just as He was strengthened through prayer, we are strengthened through prayer. Just as His prayer life brought Him hope and courage, so our prayer life lifts us from the things of time and places us within the realm of His eternal realities. In prayer we enter into His presence and receive new strength for our Christian journey.
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Adventist World | September 2011