Here is a list of the key moments when Jesus prayed in the Bible, along with a prayerful reflection for each moment.
Prayer with Jesus
1. At His Baptism
Luke 3:21 “When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as He was praying, heaven was opened…”
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, even at the beginning of Your ministry, You turned to the Father in prayer. Teach me to begin every new season of life with prayer, inviting the presence of heaven over my journey.
2. Early Mornings in Solitude
Mark 1:35 “Very early in the morning… Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.”
Prayer:
Jesus, You sought quiet moments with the Father before the day began. Help me to value time alone with God, drawing strength from stillness and connection with Him.
3. Before Choosing the Twelve Disciples
Luke 6:12-13 “One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God…”
Prayer:
Lord, before making important decisions, You sought the Father’s wisdom. Teach me to pray before I act, and to trust God’s guidance over every choice in my life.
4. When Feeding the 5,000
John 6:11 “Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed…”
Prayer:
Thank You, Jesus, for showing me to give thanks even when the provision seems small. With gratitude, I trust that God multiplies what I offer.
5. Before Raising Lazarus
John 11:41-42 “Father, I thank You that You have heard me…”
Prayer:
Jesus, You prayed with confidence that the Father hears. Strengthen my faith to believe that God listens and responds with love and power.
6. At the Transfiguration
Luke 9:28-29 “As He was praying, the appearance of His face changed…”
Prayer:
Lord, in Your presence, true transformation happens. As I pray, change me from the inside out—reflecting the glory of the Father in all I do.
7. After a Long Day of Ministry
Matthew 14:23 “After He had dismissed them, He went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray.”
Prayer:
Jesus, after serving others, You found rest in prayer. Help me to return to God after every day, weary or joyful, and be refreshed in His presence.
8. In Gethsemane Before His Arrest
Luke 22:41-44 “He withdrew… knelt down and prayed, ‘Father, if You are willing, take this cup from me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.’”
Prayer:
Jesus, You prayed in agony and surrender. In my moments of fear and trial, teach me to say, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
9. On the Cross “Father, forgive them”
Luke 23:34 “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’”
Prayer:
Even in suffering, You prayed with forgiveness. Teach me to release bitterness and pray for those who hurt me.
10. On the Cross “My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
Matthew 27:46 “About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out… ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’”
Prayer:
Jesus, in Your deepest pain, You still turned to God. When I feel abandoned, remind me that You understand and never truly leave me.
11. On the Cross – “Into Your hands I commit My spirit”
Luke 23:46 “Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.’”
Prayer:
Lord, even in death, You entrusted Yourself to the Father. Help me to live and die with that same trust—knowing I am safe in God’s hands.
12. Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer (John 17)
John 17:1 “After Jesus said this, He looked toward heaven and prayed…”
In this powerful chapter, Jesus prays:
- For Himself (vs. 1–5)
- For His disciples (vs. 6–19)
- For all future believers (vs. 20–26)
Prayer:
Thank You, Jesus, for praying for me long before I was born. You desire that I be one with You and the Father. Let Your prayer be fulfilled in my life.