Written Assignment 4 – Write a brief report on
“The Role of Prayer in the Life of Jesus“
Hebrews 5:7 tells us that Jesus offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to God, and was heard because of His reverent submission. This submission was possible because of His unbroken communion with God. Jesus prayed for Himself and His disciples – both present and future.
Despite the multitudes that came to Him, Jesus still sought time for isolated intimacy with the Father (Matthew 14:23). At times He withdrew from His disciples to be alone with God. He would go to solitary places to pray early in the morning while it was still dark (Mark 1:35) and would spent a night in prayer, especially before facing a crucial event (Luke 6:12-13).
The agony on the cross did not hinder Jesus from praying. He asked God to forgive those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). His last utterance before His death was also a prayer (Luke 23:46). And till today, seated at the right hand of God, Jesus still intercedes for us (Romans 8:34). This indicates the importance of prayer.
But the most significant prayer was at the Garden of Gethsemane. Although He was overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death (Matthew 26:38) and prayed with great fervour until His perspiration was like blood (Luke 22:44), He submitted unquestioning to God’s will in perfect obedience (Matthew 26:39) hence the root of His victory at Calvary!
Date written: 24 November 2014
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