Praying Like JesusSample

Jesus: Our High Priest and Advocate

Although we may intellectually realize the power of prayer, too often our prayers can become something more religious, apathetic, or somewhat frantic, and lack genuine relational faith.

Years ago, I was facing a health challenge and my prayers for healing looked more like begging and pleading to God in fear than trusting Him in faith. Thankfully, Jesus understands our weaknesses.

Stepping into His Father’s will and rescue mission, Jesus gained first-hand experience of our humanity. Like us, Jesus had many ordinary days, as well as the joys and sorrows of life in a broken, sin-filled world. He had an imperfect earthly family, unstable but close friends, and tiring work as a carpenter.

As busy and burdened as He was, Jesus relied on a lifestyle of dependency on His Father through prayer.

The four Gospel accounts show us that prayer wasn’t a compartmentalized part of Jesus’ life, but was as needed and natural as breathing. We can live the same way—depending daily on God as our source of power through prayer.

During that season of fear-filled prayers, it never occurred to me that Jesus and the Holy Spirit were praying for me, too. When we feel weary, overwhelmed, and can’t find the “right” words to pray, remember that Jesus is advocating for us in prayer, alongside the Holy Spirit.

What a comfort and peace it is to know that we never pray alone! As our great High Priest, Jesus can “fill in the gaps” of our prayers. He knows what we need before we do, and He’s continually working in and through us with the Father to bring His will to earth and to our lives.

Pause and Reflect

Consider how your prayer life has been impacted since starting this Plan. How have you grown closer to God?

Pray

Gracious Father, thank You for allowing Jesus to advocate for me! Thank you for teaching us how to pray and the importance of ongoing dependence on You. It’s easy to get caught up in the worries of this world, so I’m grateful that I can find my rest and hope in You. Help me to live a life of continual prayer—always turning to You as my all in all. In Jesus’ name, amen.

This Bible Plan is adapted from the free 4-week Bible study Praying Like Jesus. You can find the full study at www.go2.lc/PrayingLikeJesus