Our Personal, Ultimate IntercessorSample

Jesus Often Prayed Publicly

We’re often not ready to pray publicly until communication with God is a personal habit, and knowing Him is our priority. Otherwise, we can mouth the words, but they will be without the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ entire life was constant communication with God the Father, and so His public prayers changed lives.

Jesus’ ministry was birthed in prayer at His baptism. Luke 3:21-22: “When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened...”

Jesus prayed before feeding the 5000; Matthew 14:19-21: “Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. . .The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.”

One of Jesus’ most amazing prayers was His intercession on the cross for those jeering at Him, and who had crucified Him; the greatest example of forgiveness; Luke 22:33-34: “When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Steven, in Acts 7:59-60, prayed just like Jesus: “While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.”

When Jesus was with His disciples before His crucifixion, He prayed this way in John 12:27-28: “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.”

When Jesus was ready to raise Lazarus from the dead, He prayed in John 11:41-42: “So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

Reflection: If private prayer is our habit, and we love communicating with our awesome God, then praying in public can just be an extension of that; blessing God and those around us.