Why Doesn’t Prayer Work?Sýnishorn

Our Father: Who Are We Talking To?

Yesterday we looked at the example Jesus set for us through The Lord’s Prayer, but that isn’t the only time the Bible documents Jesus praying! Prayer was a big part of Jesus’ life and ministry. Luke 5:16 tells us that Jesus prayed regularly and “often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer” (NLT). He dedicated long hours to prayer but also prayed quick prayers. Sometimes He would wake up early to pray, and sometimes He would pray through the night. 

Jesus prayed for others, with others, and as Luke 5:16 notes, He would often talk to His Father in private. He prayed before, during, and after miracles. He prayed before choosing His disciples, most notably, on the cross and throughout the events leading up to His crucifixion.

When Jesus was about to fulfill His purpose on earth, He prayed, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine” (Matt. 26:39, NLT). Jesus knew that God was asking for complete trust, believing that God would fulfill His plan for creation through His death on the cross. 

Jesus is the perfect example of what it means to invest in an active prayer relationship with God. But for you to imitate His example, you’ll need to understand why prayer doesn’t always work the way you might want it.

Questions for Reflection:

Luke 5:16 tells us how Jesus would intentionally set aside time to pray. How do you incorporate prayer into your daily routine? 

What do you typically pray for? 

Do you think you can make a difference through prayer? Why or why not?