1. In Luke 11:1 the Lord's disciples made a request of Him -- they asked Him to teach them to pray. 2. As we read about the Lord's ministry in the Gospels we see that: a. He prayed often b. He had much to say about prayer in His teaching. 3. In our lesson we are examining: a. some occasions when Jesus prayed b. the Lord's teaching concerning prayer. 4. As we study the Scriptures let us ask the Lord to help us learn about prayer. Discussion: I. LET US EXAMINE SOME OCCASIONS WHEN JESUS PRAYED
A. Jesus prayed when He was baptized (Luke 3:21-22). B. Jesus prayed privately (Luke 5:15-16). C. Jesus prayed before He chose the apostles (Luke 6:12-13). D. Jesus prayed for the food when He fed the 5,000 (Luke 9:16). E. Jesus had been praying when He asked about His identity (Luke 9:18). F. Jesus was praying when He was transfigured (Luke 9:28-29). G. Jesus prayed for Peter (Luke 22:31-32). H. Jesus prayed before He was arrested (Luke 22:39-44). I. Jesus prayed for His followers to be united (John 17). J. Jesus prayed while He was on the cross (Luke 23:34, 46). K. Jesus prayed for a meal after His resurrection (Luke 24:30). II. LET US EXAMINE JESUS' TEACHING CONCERNING PRAYER
A. Jesus taught His followers not to pray like: 1. hypocrites (Matthew 6:5-6) 2. heathens (Matthew 6:7-8). B. Jesus taught His followers how to pray when He gave "the model prayer" (Matthew 6:9-13). C. Jesus taught His followers that the Father answers prayer (Matthew 7:7-11). D. Jesus taught His followers to pray "believing" (Matthew 21:22). E. Jesus taught His followers to pray persistently (Luke 18:1-8). F. Jesus taught His followers to abide in Him while praying (John 15:7). G. Jesus taught His followers to pray in His name (John 16:23). Conclusion:
1. In our lessons we have examined the Lord's example and His teaching concerning 2 very important subjects: "compassion" and "prayer." 2. As we go through this week let us practice the things we have learned. 3. Compassion and prayer will make a difference in our lives, and we will in turn make a difference in the lives of other people.
