Written by: John Sernaque
Dear Reader,
Books / Pr - Prayer (2002) / Chapter 15—Jesus’ Example in Prayer
Chapter 15—Jesus’ Example in Prayer
Jesus Knelt When He Prayed—Both in public and in private worship, it is our privilege to bow on our knees before the Lord when we offer our petitions to Him. Jesus, our example, “kneeled down, and prayed.” Of His disciples it is recorded that they, too, “kneeled down, and prayed.” Paul declared, “I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In confessing before God the sins of Israel, Ezra knelt. Daniel “kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God.”(Messages to Young People, 251.) {Pr 177.1}
Carefully Consider Jesus’ Lessons About Prayer—Christ’s lessons in regard to prayer should be carefully considered. There is a divine science in prayer, and His illustration brings to view principles that all need to understand. He shows what is the true spirit of prayer, He teaches the necessity of perseverance in presenting our requests to God, and assures us of His willingness to hear and answer prayer.—(Christ’s Object Lessons, 142.) {Pr 177.2}
Through the ages, Christs’ example has been carried forward to us today. The Bible teaches us that Jesus knelt before God when in prayer. Just like Jesus and all the prophets, we are to come to the foot of the throne in likewise fashion, in reverence to our almighty God. If you want to touch the sky in heaven, you need to get on your knees first. This principle needs to be understood by all. It is our privilege and honor to be able to enter into God’s presence as we go up to Him in prayer. God assures us that He will hear and answer our prayers. Bring your petitions before the Lord, and He will bless you.
Psalms 95:6, Luke 22:41, Acts 7:59-60, Acts 9:40, Acts 20:36, Acts 21:5, Ephesians 3:14
Dear God,
We thank You for giving us this privilege and opportunity to come before You in prayer. To be able to come into Your presence to speak with You and hear Your voice. We bow before You on our knees, in thanksgiving for Your love and Your grace, and for Your long-suffering towards us. We are sinners, yet You welcome us to confess our sins and bring our petitions to the foot of Your throne. We thank You for teaching us these principles of prayer, that we should kneel before You as Jesus and all the prophets did when entering Your presence, and what is the true spirit of prayer, the need to persevere in prayer when bringing our requests before You. We thank You for Your willingness to hear and answer our prayers. You are our great exemplar, for which we are eternally grateful. We pray that we may receive Your character, and be like You in all ways. We surrender all to You, our blessed Savior. We pray that You continue to bless us with Your Spirit and eternal Light and Glory. May You pour out Your Holy Spirit on us, and do not take Your light or Spirit from us. We thank You for hearing and answering our prayers and for giving us the victory over sin. All these things we ask and pray, in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen.
