Our message this past Sunday dealt with prayer. Considering our identity with Christ, Paul declared that he “bows his knees to the Father” and prays. He prays with humility and as a family member. He prays for inner strength and to know God’s love. He prays by faith for God’s glory!
Most of the features called out in Eph.3:14-21 are not new to a believer. But I wonder if we think very much about WHEN we ought to pray. What times or opportunities should we grasp and hold onto with prayer?
An article by Bob Hostetler suggests that there are seven occasions when Jesus turned to prayer and that we can learn from noticing those moments. Of course there are no “bad times’ to pray, but noticing when Jesus turned to prayer may help us include that heavenly privilege more readily in our lives.
Jesus prayed on special occasions. An example would be the baptism of John the Baptist (Luke 3:21). Our lives are filled with special days. It would be sweet to include public prayers at birthday and wedding celebrations, funerals and memorial services and family get-togethers.
The Lord prayed before making big decisions. On the night before choosing His 12 apostles, Jesus “spent the night praying to God” (Luke 6:12). He prayed when His heart was heavy, and lonely (Luke 5:16). He often prayed in a small group (Luke 9:28).
Christ spoke with His Father when needs arose. The night before His death is such a powerful example of that kind of meaningful prayer. He also prayed when He was in pain. His desperate prayers from the cross are formidable examples.
And finally, Jesus prayed when He faced a difficult season. In Matthew 4, Mark 1 and Luke 4, we can watch His prayer life as He was being tempted by the devil. Christ knew He needed the support and encouragement from His Father and He sought it.
Prayer is the connection we all have with God. As we go through our normal days, let’s make sure we routinely, affectionately, almost automatically turn to our heavenly Father in prayer.
And then let’s give glory to Him “who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:14-21).
Most of the features called out in Eph.3:14-21 are not new to a believer. But I wonder if we think very much about WHEN we ought to pray. What times or opportunities should we grasp and hold onto with prayer?
An article by Bob Hostetler suggests that there are seven occasions when Jesus turned to prayer and that we can learn from noticing those moments. Of course there are no “bad times’ to pray, but noticing when Jesus turned to prayer may help us include that heavenly privilege more readily in our lives.
Jesus prayed on special occasions. An example would be the baptism of John the Baptist (Luke 3:21). Our lives are filled with special days. It would be sweet to include public prayers at birthday and wedding celebrations, funerals and memorial services and family get-togethers.
The Lord prayed before making big decisions. On the night before choosing His 12 apostles, Jesus “spent the night praying to God” (Luke 6:12). He prayed when His heart was heavy, and lonely (Luke 5:16). He often prayed in a small group (Luke 9:28).
Christ spoke with His Father when needs arose. The night before His death is such a powerful example of that kind of meaningful prayer. He also prayed when He was in pain. His desperate prayers from the cross are formidable examples.
And finally, Jesus prayed when He faced a difficult season. In Matthew 4, Mark 1 and Luke 4, we can watch His prayer life as He was being tempted by the devil. Christ knew He needed the support and encouragement from His Father and He sought it.
Prayer is the connection we all have with God. As we go through our normal days, let’s make sure we routinely, affectionately, almost automatically turn to our heavenly Father in prayer.
And then let’s give glory to Him “who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:14-21).
Sherry Worel
Sherry Worel is a Bible teacher at heart and lives a life of ministry. She’s been involved at Coast Hills teaching Women’s LIFE, Bible studies, online courses, devotionals, participating in Upstream conversations, and much more. Having a love for education, Sherry has over 50 years of teaching experience with schools, churches, and mission agencies. As well as earning her Master’s at Talbot Seminary, she rounded out her education with 35 years as Head of School at Stoneybrooke Christian School. Sherry is happiest with a book or fishing pole in hand.