Learn to pray like Jesus

We learn to pray by praying. And we are helped in prayer by the Holy Spirit, who “tunes” our prayers to the very heart of Christ, teaching us to pray as Jesus would. How does this work? Just imagine Jesus praying for you. Then listen in. What would He say to the Father on your behalf? How would He plead for you? I try to picture Him and say, “Lord Jesus, I know You are interceding for me right now. What are You praying for?” Then I listen in, under the leading of the Holy Spirit. Since I have begun to do this, it has changed my prayer life. By listening to Him, I know how to pray for myself. Also, I listen to how Jesus would pray for those I love. I say, “Lord, what are You praying for my wife? What does Jo Beth need? What are you praying, Jesus, for my children, my grandchildren, my church, my friends?” I listen, and I order my prayers as the Spirit leads, seeking to pray as Jesus would pray.

Do you wonder how Jesus might pray for you? Let me give you a hint. Look through the window of John chapter 17, and see what Jesus prayed for you and for me on the last night of His life. He interceded on our behalf to the Father, asking that we might be one with Him and with God the Father, and that on the basis of that unity, the world might believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He also prayed that we would know we are loved by God with the same love which He has for His only Son. Listen to the heart of Jesus as He prays.