You’ve probably heard the statement, “Lead by example.” We can instruct others, but it is usually our example that speaks loudest. Our children listen to what we say, but probably pay more attention to what we do. It is the adage, “A sermon lived, is more powerful than a sermon preached.” However, as we seek to lead by example, I wonder how well we are following the Leader, our Savior, Jesus!

While Jesus, walked the earth, he was an amazing teacher. Jesus, the great teacher, lead by example. One undeniable example He set was in His prayer life! Jesus was adamant, about spending personal time with His Father, Our Father! As you follow the leader, are you following His example of prayer? Luke 18:1 makes it clear that man should always pray. So, what can we learn from the prayer life of Jesus?

He was intentional.
Jesus knew the importance of spending time with His Father. What did Jesus do to ensure He spent quality time, in prayer, with the Father? In Mark 1:35, Jesus gets up very early in the morning, while it is still dark to go and pray. That’s intentional! Early in the morning, before the busyness of the day, Jesus took time to pray. Not only, do we see Jesus rising early, there were also times Jesus sent the crowds away and went to pray. Matthew 14:23, “And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.” What/Who do you need to send away, maybe just for a moment, so you can pray to the Father? Make a plan to be intentional in your prayer life.

He prayed God’s will, not His.
Jesus’ focus in prayer was completely on the Father. He desired the Father’s will over His own will. Even at his darkest moment, with the suffering of the cross before him, He prays, “not my will, but your will be done.” Are your prayers filled with requests for God to do your will, or, are your prayers humble petitions for God’s will to be done in your life? May we be like Jesus and pray for God’s will! After all, His will is perfect.

He interceded for others, even His enemies.
Jesus’ prayers were usually focused on others, instead of himself. John 17, is a lengthy prayer were Jesus adamantly prayed for himself, his disciples, and other believers. In fact, we find in Romans 8:35 that He is still interceding for us. If He is interceding for you, who are you interceding for? Are your prayers self-focused, consumed with your own concerns, needs, and wants? Of course, we should boldly go before the throne of grace for our own ailments, heartaches, troubles, needs, and wants. However, Jesus sets the example of an outward focused prayer life. He even prays for his enemies! On the cross, Jesus cries out, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Examine your prayers and make a conscientious effort to pray for others, even your enemies.

It is Jesus’ prayer life that lays out a road map for our prayer life. May we be intentional in prayer! May our prayers, seek God’s will over our own. Lastly, may we boldly intercede on behalf of others.

Today as you celebrate Labor Day, do not rest from Laboring in prayer. As you imitate Jesus’ prayer life, He will equip you to carry your cross! The power you need to daily carry your cross is matched by your prayer life. You cannot do this in your own strength, through prayer tap into the strength of the Father.