When Jesus prayed, He gave us a perfect example of how to connect with God.
Prayer that Jesus prayed
1. The Lord’s Prayer (Teaching the Disciples to Pray)
Matthew 6:9–13 / Luke 11:2–4
“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…”
This prayer serves as a perfect model for all believers. Jesus teaches us to begin by honoring God’s holiness, to desire His kingdom and will above all, to ask humbly for daily provision, to seek forgiveness and offer forgiveness to others, and to request protection from evil. It’s both intimate and comprehensive, showing our dependence on God in every area of life.
2. Prayer of Thanksgiving
Matthew 11:25–26 / Luke 10:21
“I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.”
Jesus expresses gratitude for God’s sovereign wisdom in revealing spiritual truths to the humble and childlike rather than the proud and self-reliant. It shows His trust in God’s plan and highlights the value of humility in receiving revelation.
3. Prayer Before Raising Lazarus
John 11:41–42
“Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.”
Here, Jesus publicly prays to demonstrate His close relationship with the Father. He thanks God in advance, showing His confidence in the Father’s power. This prayer also serves to strengthen the faith of the witnesses, affirming Jesus’ divine authority.
4. High Priestly Prayer (Before His Arrest)
John 17 (entire chapter)
John 17:1–5 (for Himself): “Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee…”
John 17:6–19 (for His disciples): “I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me…”
John 17:20–26 (for future believers): “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word…”
This prayer reveals Jesus’ heart and mission. He prays for glorification, unity, protection, and sanctification — not only for Himself and His immediate disciples but for all believers throughout history. It shows His deep love and desire for spiritual unity and intimacy among His followers.
5. Prayer in Gethsemane
Matthew 26:39
“O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”
Matthew 26:42
“O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.”
In this moment of intense anguish, Jesus shows His humanity by expressing the natural desire to avoid suffering. Yet His overriding submission to God’s will is clear. This teaches us about surrender and trusting God even when facing trials or pain.
6. From the Cross – Prayer for Forgiveness
Luke 23:34
“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
Despite being unjustly crucified, Jesus prays for the forgiveness of His executioners. This prayer embodies unconditional love, mercy, and grace — showing the heart of God even toward those who oppose Him.
7. From the Cross – Cry of Abandonment
Matthew 27:46 / Mark 15:34
“My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
This is a profound moment where Jesus experiences the weight of human sin and separation from God. It reflects the depth of His sacrifice. Quoting Psalm 22 also points to the fulfillment of prophecy and offers hope beyond suffering.
8. From the Cross – Commending His Spirit
Luke 23:46
“Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.”
In His final moments, Jesus expresses absolute trust in the Father, surrendering His life fully into God’s care. It is a model of peaceful surrender and faith in God’s sovereignty, even in death.