Message #2 (of 20) from the PrayerPower radio series
"Jesus' Teaching on Prayer"

by Kaye Johns

That is important because Jesus is our teacher on prayer. In all the instructions given in the Old Testament, there are none on prayer.

Jesus began His teaching on prayer as part of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-6-7. He was laying down the foundation for the Christian life, and anyone who studies it realizes it is an impossible standard, aside from the enabling power of His Spirit. How like Him to have taught about prayer as part of this sermon, providing the answer for living the righteous life He had just outlined.

The Sermon on the Mount begins with the beatitudes: we are to come to the end of self, acknowledging and mourning our poverty of spirit and humbled by it. When we do, we hunger and thirst for His righteousness. Then as we hunger and thirst for His righteousness, the result in our lives will be that we are merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and those who are persecuted.

Jesus then teaches about our being salt and light, about having righteousness greater than that of the Pharisees and about the root cause of our sins. He cautions against divorce and swearing oaths, tells us to go the extra mile, love our enemies and give to the needy.

At this point, Jesus chose to teach on prayer--which is, of course, the way we are enabled and empowered to live this impossible life--not in our strength, but in His.

Pray with me now -- Lord Jesus, help us to learn and apply your teaching on prayer, for we ask in Your righteous name, amen.

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