Living the Christian Life – Chapter 6: A Life of Prayer

Throughout the life of Jesus, despite being the Son of God, he took time to pray. Someone might ask, “If Jesus was God, why did He need to pray?” Jesus prayed because He understood something that we must all grasp in our walk with God—prayer is communication with God. And communication is vital to relationships and love.

To ask why Jesus communicated with His Father in prayer is like asking why a husband communicates with his wife throughout the day. Relationship requires communication. Love communicates. And prayer is our communication channel with God.

Jesus’ disciples recognized that prayer was part of His daily lifestyle. Things happened when Jesus prayed. So one day the disciples came to Jesus and asked Him to teach them how to pray. Most people are familiar with Jesus’ answer, which is known as “The Lord’s Prayer.” Many people have memorized this prayer and have prayed it throughout their lives. But there are important truths found within this prayer that can open up the blessing and favor of God in your life like nothing else can.

This is not only a prayer, but also a template for a life that is devoted to prayer.

Enter with Praise

Jesus started His teaching on prayer with worship. “Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be your name.” To “hallow” is to praise. Jesus is saying, “Our Father, we praise your holy name.” Jesus was building on the words of the psalmist:

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” (Psalm 100:4 ESV).

Any time we pray, we should begin by giving praise to God before anything else. By this, we give honor to the Creator of all things, while also declaring our love for Him.

[1] Lewis, C.S. Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer. 9 April 2019. <https://cslewisthoughts.tumblr.com/post/184058488281/it-seems-to-me-we-must-conclude-that-such>.

[2] Lewis, C.S. “”Thy Will Be Done” – C.S. Lewis on the Third Petition, from Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer.” 10 December 2011. Pseudepigraphus. <https://www.pseudepigraph.us/2011/12/10/thy-will-be-done-c-s-lewis-on-the-third-petition-2/>.