Prayers
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Bible Concordance
Prayers (99 Occurrences)

Matthew 6:5 And when you make your prayers, be not like the false-hearted men, who take pleasure in getting up and saying their prayers in the Synagogues and at the street turnings so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, They have their reward. (BBE)

Matthew 8:31 And the evil spirits made strong prayers to him, saying, If you send us out, let us go into the herd of pigs. (BBE)

Matthew 21:22 and everything, whatever it be, that you ask for in your prayers, if you have faith, you shall obtain." (WEY)

Matthew 23:13 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows' houses, and as a pretense you make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation. (WEB)

Matthew 23:14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, even while for a pretence ye make long prayers: therefore ye shall receive greater condemnation. (WEY DBY WBS)

Mark 5:10 And he made strong prayers to him not to send them away out of the country. (BBE)

Mark 5:23 And made strong prayers to him, saying, My little daughter is near to death: it is my prayer that you will come and put your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and have life. (BBE)

Mark 12:40 those who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation." (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 1:10 And all the people were offering prayers outside, at the time of the burning of perfumes. (BBE)

Luke 2:37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. (KJV BBE DBY WBS NAS)

Luke 4:38 And he got up and went out of the Synagogue and went into the house of Simon. And Simon's wife's mother was very ill with a burning heat; and in answer to their prayers for her (BBE)

Luke 5:33 And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? (KJV BBE WBS NAS RSV)

Luke 6:28 Give blessing to those who give you curses, say prayers for those who are cruel to you. (BBE)

Luke 11:2 And he said to them, When you say your prayers, say, Father, may your name be kept holy and your kingdom come. (BBE)

Luke 20:47 who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers: these will receive greater condemnation." (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 1:24 And they made prayers and said, Lord, having knowledge of the hearts of all men, make clear which of these two has been marked out by you, (BBE)

Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV)

Acts 10:4 He, fastening his eyes on him, and being frightened, said, "What is it, Lord?" He said to him, "Your prayers and your gifts to the needy have gone up for a memorial before God. (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 16:25 But about the middle of the night, Paul and Silas were making prayers and songs to God in the hearing of the prisoners; (BBE)

Acts 16:39 Then they came and made prayers to them, requesting them, when they had taken them out, to go away from the town. (BBE)

Acts 27:29 Then, fearing that by chance we might come on to the rocks, they let down four hooks from the back of the ship, and made prayers for the coming of day. (BBE)

Romans 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the Good News of his Son, how unceasingly I make mention of you always in my prayers, (WEB KJV ASV BBE WBS RSV)

Romans 1:10 always in my prayers entreating that now, at length, if such be His will, the way may by some means be made clear for me to come to you. (WEY BBE DBY YLT NAS NIV)

Romans 8:26 In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness; for we do not know what prayers to offer nor in what way to offer them. But the Spirit Himself pleads for us in yearnings that can find no words, (WEY)

Romans 8:27 And he who is the searcher of hearts has knowledge of the mind of the Spirit, because he is making prayers for the saints in agreement with the mind of God. (BBE)

Romans 15:30 Now I beg you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, (WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

1 Corinthians 14:14 For if I make use of tongues in my prayers, my spirit makes the prayer, but not my mind. (BBE)

2 Corinthians 1:11 You at the same time helping together by your prayer for us; so that for what has been given to us through a number of persons, praise may go up to God for us from all of them. (See NAS RSV NIV)

Ephesians 1:16 don't cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers, (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who, in exercise of His power that is at work within us, is able to do infinitely beyond all our highest prayers or thoughts-- (WEY)

Ephesians 6:18 With prayers and deep desires, making requests at all times in the Spirit, and keeping watch, with strong purpose, in prayer for all the saints, (BBE NIV)

Philippians 1:4 And in all my prayers for you all, making my request with joy, (BBE NIV)

Philippians 1:19 For I know that it will result in my salvation through your prayers and a bountiful supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, (WEY NAS RSV NIV)

Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

1 Thessalonians 1:2 We always give thanks to God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers, (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Keep on with your prayers. (BBE)

1 Thessalonians 5:25 Brothers, keep us in mind in your prayers. (BBE)

2 Thessalonians 1:11 For this reason, you are ever in our prayers, that you may seem to our God such as may have a part in his purpose and that by his power he will make all his good purpose, and the work of faith, complete; (BBE)

1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men: (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Timothy 5:5 Now she who is a widow indeed, and desolate, has her hope set on God, and continues in petitions and prayers night and day. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

2 Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; (KJV WEY BBE WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 Timothy 2:22 But keep yourself from those desires of the flesh which are strong when the body is young, and go after righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those whose prayers go up to the Lord from a clean heart. (BBE)

Philemon 1:4 I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Philemon 1:22 Also, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you. (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Hebrews 5:7 He, in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and petitions with strong crying and tears to him who was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear, (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Hebrews 13:18 Make prayers for us, for we are certain that our hearts are free from the sense of sin, desiring the right way of life in all things. (BBE)

James 5:13 Is anyone among you in trouble? let him say prayers. Is anyone glad? let him make a song of praise. (BBE)

James 5:14 Is anyone among you ill? let him send for the rulers of the church; and let them say prayers over him, putting oil on him in the name of the Lord. (BBE)

James 5:16 So then, make a statement of your sins to one another, and say prayers for one another so that you may be made well. The prayer of a good man is full of power in its working. (BBE)

1 Peter 3:7 You husbands, in like manner, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman, as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint heirs of the grace of life; that your prayers may not be hindered. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. (KJV BBE WBS)

1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is drawn nigh: be sober therefore, and be watchful unto prayers; (DBY YLT RSV)

Jude 1:20 But you, my loved ones, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, and making prayers in the Holy Spirit, (BBE)

Revelation 5:8 Now when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Revelation 8:3 Another angel came and stood over the altar, having a golden censer. Much incense was given to him, that he should add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Revelation 8:4 The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel's hand. (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 42:21 And they said to one another, Truly, we did wrong to our brother, for we saw his grief of mind, and we did not give ear to his prayers; that is why this trouble has come on us. (BBE)

1 Samuel 7:9 And Samuel took a young lamb, offering all of it as a burned offering to the Lord; and Samuel made prayers to the Lord for Israel and the Lord gave him an answer. (BBE)

1 Samuel 12:8 When Jacob and his sons had come into Egypt, and were crushed by the Egyptians, the prayers of your fathers came up to the Lord, and the Lord sent Moses and Aaron, who took your fathers out of Egypt, and he put them into this place. (BBE)

1 Samuel 12:23 And as for me, never will I go against the orders of the Lord by giving up my prayers for you: but I will go on teaching you the good and right way. (BBE)

2 Samuel 21:14 And they put them with the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in the resting-place of Kish, his father, in Zela in the country of Benjamin; they did all the king had given them orders to do. And after that, God gave ear to their prayers for the land. (BBE)

1 Kings 8:30 Give ear to the prayers of your servant, and the prayers of your people Israel, when they make their prayers, turning to this place; give ear in heaven your living-place, and hearing, have mercy. (BBE)

1 Kings 8:33 When your people Israel are overcome in war, because of their sin against you; if they are turned to you again, honouring your name, making prayers to you and requesting your grace in this house: (BBE)

1 Kings 8:35 When heaven is shut up and there is no rain, because of their sin against you; if they make prayers with their faces turned to this place, honouring your name and turning away from their sin when you send trouble on them: (BBE)

1 Kings 8:54 Then Solomon, after making all these prayers and requests for grace to the Lord, got up from his knees before the altar of the Lord, where his hands had been stretched out in prayer to heaven; (BBE NIV)

1 Kings 9:3 And the Lord said to him, Your prayers and your requests for grace have come to my ears: I have made holy this house which you have made, and I have put my name there for ever; my eyes and my heart will be there at all times. (BBE)

1 Kings 18:24 And do you make prayers to your god, and I will make a prayer to the Lord: and it will be clear that the one who gives an answer by fire is God. And all the people in answer said, It is well said. (BBE)

1 Kings 18:25 Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, Take one ox for yourselves and get it ready first, for there are more of you; and make your prayers to your god, but put no fire under. (BBE)

1 Kings 18:29 And from the middle of the day they went on with their prayers till the time of the offering; but there was no voice, or any answer, or any who gave attention to them. (BBE)

1 Chronicles 5:20 And they were helped against them, so that the Hagarites, and those with them, were given into their power. For they sent up prayers to God in the fight, and he gave ear to them, because they put their faith in him. (BBE NAS NIV)

1 Chronicles 21:26 And David put up an altar there to the Lord, offering burned offerings and peace-offerings with prayers to the Lord; and he gave him an answer from heaven, sending fire on the altar of burned offering. (BBE)

2 Chronicles 6:21 And give ear to the prayers of your servant and of your people Israel, when they make their prayers, turning to this place; give ear from heaven your living-place; and hearing have mercy. (BBE)

2 Chronicles 6:24 And if your people Israel are overcome in war, because of their sin against you; if they are turned to you again, honouring your name, making prayers and requesting your grace in this house: (BBE)

2 Chronicles 6:26 When heaven is shut up and there is no rain, because of their sin against you: if they make prayers with their faces turned to this place, honouring your name and turning away from their sin when you send trouble on them: (BBE)

2 Chronicles 6:34 If your people go out to war against their attackers, by whatever way you may send them, if they make their prayers to you turning their faces to this town of yours and to this house which I have put up for your name: (BBE)

2 Chronicles 6:38 If with all their heart and soul they are turned again to you, in the land where they are prisoners, the land where they have been taken, and make their prayers, turning their eyes to their land which you gave to their fathers, and to the town which you took for yourself, and the house which I have made for your name: (BBE)

2 Chronicles 6:40 Now, O my God, may your eyes be open and your ears awake to the prayers made in this place. (BBE NIV)

2 Chronicles 7:1 Now when Solomon's prayers were ended, fire came down from heaven, burning up all the offerings; and the house was full of the glory of the Lord. (BBE)

2 Chronicles 7:15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears awake to the prayers made in this place. (BBE NIV)

Ezra 6:10 So that they may make offerings of a sweet smell to the God of heaven, with prayers for the life of the king and of his sons. (BBE)

Nehemiah 1:11 O Lord, let your ear take note of the prayer of your servant, and of the prayers of your servants, who take delight in worshipping your name: give help, O Lord, to your servant this day, and let him have mercy in the eyes of this man. (Now I was the king's wine-servant.) (BBE)

Job 41:3 Will he make prayers to you, or say soft words to you? (BBE)

Psalms 35:13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth, I afflicted my soul with fasting; and my prayer, may it return into mine own bosom. (See NIV)

Psalms 61:5 For you, O God, have made answer to my prayers; you have given me the heritage of those who give honour to your name. (BBE)

Psalms 72:15 May he have long life, and may gold from Sheba be given to him: may prayers be made for him at all times; may blessings be on him every day. (BBE)

Psalms 72:20 This ends the prayers by David, the son of Jesse. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Psalms 80:4 O LORD God of hosts, how long wilt Thou be angry against the prayer of Thy people? (See RSV NIV)

Psalms 99:6 Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among those who gave honour to his name; they made prayers to the Lord, and he gave answers to them. (BBE)

Psalms 109:7 When he is judged, let him go forth condemned; and let his prayer be turned into sin. (See NIV)

Psalms 122:6 O make prayers for the peace of Jerusalem; may they whose love is given to you do well. (BBE)

Proverbs 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. (See NIV)

Isaiah 1:15 When you spread forth your hands, I will hide my eyes from you. Yes, when you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Jeremiah 3:21 A voice is sounding on the open hilltops, the weeping and the prayers of the children of Israel; because their way is twisted, they have not kept the Lord their God in mind. (BBE)

Jeremiah 7:16 And as for you (Jeremiah), make no prayers for this people, send up no cry or prayer for them, make no request for them to me: for I will not give ear. (BBE)

Jeremiah 8:2 And they will put them out before the sun and the moon and all the stars of heaven, whose lovers and servants they have been, after whom they have gone, to whom they have made prayers, and to whom they have given worship: they will not be put together or placed in the earth; they will be waste on the face of the earth. (BBE)

Jeremiah 11:14 And as for you, make no prayers for this people, send up no cry or prayer for them: for I will not give ear to their cry in the time of their trouble. (BBE)

Daniel 6:11 Then these men were watching and saw Daniel making prayers and requesting grace before his God. (BBE)

Daniel 9:18 O my God, let your ear be turned and give hearing; let your eyes be open and see how we have been made waste and the town which is named by your name: for we are not offering our prayers before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercies. (BBE)

Jonah 3:8 And let man and beast be covered with haircloth, and let them make strong prayers to God: and let everyone be turned from his evil way and the violent acts of their hands. (BBE)

Thesaurus
Prayers (99 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia PRAYERS OF CHRIST. 1. The Lord's Prayer 2. Christ's
Doctrine of Prayer: Sacredness, Importunity, Conditions ...
/p/prayers.htm - 51k

Requests (29 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 2:1 My desire is, first of all, that you will make requests and
prayers and give praise for all men; (BBE NIV). Hebrews ...
/r/requests.htm - 15k

Mention (41 Occurrences)
... Romans 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the Good News of
his Son, how unceasingly I make mention of you always in my prayers, (WEB KJV ...
/m/mention.htm - 19k

Condemnation (30 Occurrences)
... For you devour widows' houses, and as a pretense you make long prayers. ... (WEY). Mark
12:40 those who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. ...
/c/condemnation.htm - 20k

Honouring (23 Occurrences)
... 8:33 When your people Israel are overcome in war, because of their sin against you;
if they are turned to you again, honouring your name, making prayers to you ...
/h/honouring.htm - 13k

Incense (167 Occurrences)
... Luke 1:10, thumiama), and in Revelation 5:8; Revelation 8:3, the incense in the
heavenly temple is connected and even identified (5:8) with "the prayers of the ...
/i/incense.htm - 44k

Widows (33 Occurrences)
... For you devour widows' houses, and as a pretense you make long prayers. ... Mark 12:40
those who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. ...
/w/widows.htm - 17k

Entreaties (6 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers,
intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men: (See NAS). ...
/e/entreaties.htm - 8k

Devour (118 Occurrences)
... For you devour widows' houses, and as a pretense you make long prayers. ... Mark 12:40
those who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. ...
/d/devour.htm - 37k

Pretense (9 Occurrences)
... For you devour widows' houses, and as a pretense you make long prayers. ... Mark 12:40
those who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. ...
/p/pretense.htm - 9k

Greek
4336. proseuchomai -- to pray
... Word Origin from pros and euchomai Definition to pray NASB Word Usage make...prayers
(1), offer...prayers (2), pray (44), prayed (14), prayer (1), praying (24 ...
/greek/4336.htm - 9k

1162. deesis -- a need, entreaty
... Word Origin from deomai Definition a need, entreaty NASB Word Usage entreaties
(2), petition (3), prayer (6), prayers (6), supplication (1). ...
/greek/1162.htm - 7k

3686. onoma -- a name, authority, cause
... of being . "Praying in Jesus' name" therefore is not a "religious formula"
just to end prayers (or get what want)! ["According to ...
/greek/3686.htm - 7k

2428. hiketeria -- supplication
... Heb 5:7: "In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and (2428 ) with
loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard ...
/greek/2428.htm - 7k

2589. kardiognostes -- knower of hearts
... preferences (convictions). Accordingly, God hears "the prayer of our prayers"
as He discerns our inner heart-preferences. Word Origin ...
/greek/2589.htm - 7k

4335. proseuche -- prayer
... See 4335 (). Word Origin from proseuchomai Definition prayer NASB Word Usage earnestly
(1), place of prayer (2), prayer (20), prayers (14). earnest prayer. ...
/greek/4335.htm - 7k

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PRAYERS OF CHRIST

1. The Lord's Prayer

2. Christ's Doctrine of Prayer: Sacredness, Importunity, Conditions

3. Prayers Offered by Christ

(1) The High-priestly Prayer

(2) The Prayer in Gethsemane

(3) The Prayers on the Cross

(4) Prayer after the Resurrection

(5) General Conclusions

In the history and doctrine of prayer, nothing is more important than the light shed upon the subject by the prayers of Jesus. These are to be studied in connection with His teaching concerning prayer found in the model of the Lord's Prayer, and general statements and hints to His disciples.

1. The Lord's Prayer:

This model of prayer is given in two forms (Matthew 6:9-13 Luke 11:2-4). The differences of form show that exactness of similarity in words is not essential. The prayer includes adoration, supplication for the Kingdom, for personal needs, for forgiveness, for deliverance from temptation and the ascription of glory. It is at once individual and universal; it sets the recognition of divine things first, and yet clearly asserts the ethical and social relations of life.

See LORD'S PRAYER, THE.

2. Christ's Doctrine of Prayer: Sacredness, Importunity, Conditions:

That men should pray is taken for granted (Matthew 6:5). Its sacredness is involved in the command for privacy (Matthew 6:6); its importunity (Luke 11:5-9; Luke 18:1-8); its necessary conditions of humility, absence of self righteousness (Luke 18:9-14), of display and repetition (Matthew 6:7); necessity of faith and a forgiving spirit (Mark 11:24-26); of agreement in social prayer (Matthew 18:19); submission to the will of Christ, "in my name" (John 14:13).

3. Prayers Offered by Christ:

In Matthew 11:25, 26 the King James Version, Christ thanks God: "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." This language shows the essence of prayer to be not the mere expression of need and request for what is required, but resort to God. The prayer gives us insight into the deeper experience of the Son with the Father, and His perfect submission to the Father's will, with thanksgiving even for what might seem inexplicable. It thus illustrates the truth that the highest form of prayer is found in the serenity of the soul.

Matthew 14:23 narrates the retirement of the Lord to a "mountain apart to pray." No word of what the prayer was is given, but the record is suggestive. Following a day of severe toil and probably excitement, Jesus betakes Himself to prayer. The reality, the true humanity of the Christ, are here revealed. The former prayer may almost be regarded as that of the Son of God addressed to the Father in the sublime communion of the Godhead. This passage emphatically is a prayer-scene of the Son of Man. The association of this incident of prayer in Christ's life with the miracle of walking on the sea (an example of miracle in the person of the Lord Himself, and not performed on another) opens up an interesting question of the relation of the supernatural and the natural. Here perhaps lies an explanation of the true significance of the miraculous. The communion of the Lord with a supreme Father had filled the physical nature of Jesus with spiritual forces which extended the power of the spirit over the material world beyond the limits by which man is bound in his normal and sinful condition (see Lange, Commentary on Mt; Matthew 15:36; compare 14:19). Christ's recognition of God as the Giver of food, in thanks at the meal, or "asking a blessing," should be noted as an example which in modern times is largely ignored or followed as a mere formality. But it is significant; it expresses that intense and all-compelling sense of the divine which ever dwelt in Him; of which prayer is an expression, and which is evoked so naturally and becomingly at a social meal. In Matthew 17:21, our Lord's reference to prayer as a necessary condition of miraculous power, in the light of Mark 7:34, where "looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him (the deaf man), Ephphatha," may imply His own prayer in connection with the exercise of miraculous energy. This is apparently indicated in John 11:41, 42, although, as above, it is the expression of the intimate relation between Christ and the Father, which is the essence of prayer, and in which relation He ever exercised the fullest power of God Himself. Matthew 19:13 records that little children were brought to Him that He should put His hands on them and pray. That He prayed is not related, but 19:15 relates that He laid His hands on them and, presumably, with the imposition, prayed. The scene is most suggestive, in the light of our Lord's words. In Matthew 19:14 and in 26:26 Our Lord blesses the bread or gives thanks at the institution of the Supper, and has set the mode of celebration universally adopted, even giving the term Eucharist ("giving of thanks") to the service.

(1) The High-priestly Prayer.

This prayer (John 17) is the special prayer of the Lord, and may be regarded as the sole example furnished by the evangelists of our Lord's method of prayer. The thanksgiving in Matthew 11:25 is the only other instance of any extent in the report of the prayers of Jesus, but even that is brief compared to what is here furnished. The fullness of this prayer clearly shows that it was uttered in the hearing of the disciples. Their relation to it is remarkable. Auditors, they yet could not share in it. At the same time, it was a profound revelation to them both of the relation of the Master to God, and the character of the work which He had come to perform, and the part which they were to take in it. John gives us no hint as to the place in which it was spoken; 14:31 indicates a departure from the upper room. But apparently the prayer was offered where the discourses of John 15 and 16 were delivered. It has been suggested by Westcott that some spot in the temple courts was the scene of John 15; 16 and 17. It has been generally supposed that the ornament of the Golden Vine would naturally suggest the figure of the Vine and Branches which our Lord employs. John 18:1 shows that the prayer was offered before the Lord and His disciples had passed over the brook Kidron. The determination of the exact spot is certainly impossible, except the probability that the words were spoken in the vicinity of the temple.

The first part of the prayer (John 17:1-5) is an expression of profound communion between the Son and the Father, and the prayer that the Father should glorify the Son, but with the supreme end of the Father's own glory. The absolutely unique character of Christ's relation to God is the calm assertion of John 17:4. Its consciousness of completeness in the work which He had received from God, impossible for the children of men, marks the supreme nature of the Son of God.

In the second part of the prayer (John 17:6-19), our Lord prays for His disciples, to whom He has revealed Himself and His relation to God (John 17:7, 8). He prays that they may be kept by the Father, and for their unity. Their separation from the world is declared (John 17:14), and our Lord prays that they may be kept from the evil that is in the world, which is alien from them as it is from Him.

In the third portion of the prayer Christ's relation to His ultimate followers is referred to. Their unity is sought, not an external unity, but the deep, spiritual unity found by the indwelling of Christ in them and God in Christ. The prayer closes by the declaration that Christ's knowledge of the Father is revealed to His people, and the end and crown of all is to be the indwelling of God's love in man by the dwelling of Christ in him.

This prayer is unique, not merely among the prayers of our Lord, but also among the prayers of humanity. While it is distinctly a petition, it is at the same time a communion. In one or two places our Lord expresses His will, thus setting Himself upon a level with God. The fact of this prayer of triumph in which every petition is virtually a declaration of the absolute certainty of its realization, immediately preceding the prayer of Gethsemane, is both difficult and suggestive. The anomaly is a powerful argument for the historic reality. The explanation of these contrasted moods is to be found in the depth of our Lord's nature, and especially in the complete consistency of His dual nature with the spheres to which each nature belongs. He is most divine; He is most human. In the fullness of the reach of the prayer and its calm confidence, the believer may find a ceaseless and inexhaustible source of comfort and encouragement. Attention might be called to the remarkable forecast of the history and experience of the church which the prayer furnishes.

(2) The Prayer in Gethsemane.

This is recorded by the three Synoptics (Matthew 26:36-44 Mark 14:22-40 Luke 22:39-46), and is probably referred to in Hebrews 5:7. Brief though the prayer is, it exhibits most clearly recognition of God's infinite power, a clear object sought by the prayer, and perfect submission to God's will. All the elements of prayer, as it can be offered by man, are here except the prayer for forgiveness. It is to be noted that the prayer was three times repeated. This is not to be regarded as inconsistent with our Lord's prohibition of repetition. It was vain repetition which was forbidden. The intensity of the prayer is expressed by its threefold utterance (compare Paul's prayer in regard to the thorn in 2 Corinthians 12:8).

(3) The Prayers on the Cross.

In Matthew 27:46 Mark 15:34, Christ uses the prayer of Psalm 22:1. In the moment of complete desolation, the Sufferer claimed His unbroken relationship with God. This is the victory of the atoning sacrifice. Luke 23:34 records the prayer of intercession for those who crucified Him; in 23:46 is the calm committal of His spirit to the Father. Prayer here again assumes its highest form in the expression of recognition and trust. Thus the three prayers on the cross not only reveal the intimate relation of our Lord to the Father, but they also illustrate prayer such as man may offer. They represent supplication, intercession, communion. Prayer thus expresses our relation to God, to others, to ourselves; our trust, our love, our need. In all things He was made like unto His brethren, except without sin (see POINTS). His prayers on the cross illustrate His high-priestly office. It rises at that intense crisis to its supreme manifestation and activity.

(4) Prayer after the Resurrection.

It is to be observed that after His resurrection there is no record of any prayer, offered by Christ. In the supper at Emmaus He "blessed" the bread (Luke 24:30); and the ascension took place in the midst of blessing (Luke 24:51), suggestive of the course of the church as ever beneath the benediction of the Lord, to be ended only at the final consummation. The act of eating the fish and honeycomb (Luke 24:43) seems to have been unaccompanied by any act of specifically religious form. Mark, with characteristic regard to details, records Christ's "looking up to heaven" (Mark 6:41; Mark 7:34); John 11:41 refers to a similar act, and adds the Lord's words of thanksgiving that God had heard Him (see also John 17:1). The gesture was usual in association with Christ's prayers; it is appropriate and suggestive. Luke narrates that Christ prayed at His baptism (Luke 3:21); that He spent a night in prayer before choosing the Twelve (Luke 6:12, 13); that the transfiguration was preceded by prayer (Luke 9:29); and records the prayer in the garden (Luke 22:41-45). The third evangelist thus in addition to the notes of our Lord's prayers in retirement, which the other evangelists record, adds these instances of the special relation of prayer to events of critical importance.

(5) General Conclusions.

The following conclusions as to prayer may be drawn from the records of Christ' prayers:

(1) Prayer is the highest exercise of man's spiritual nature.

(2) It is natural to the soul even in perfect accord with God.

(3) It is not only the expression of need, the supply of which is sought of God, but by the example of Christ it is the highest expression of trust, submission and union with God.

(4) It is to be used both in solitude and in society; it is personal and intercessory.

(5) It may be accompanied by the plea of Christ's name, and for Christ's sake.

These are the laws which should direct it; that is to say, it should be based upon the merit and the intercession of Christ, and should be addressed to God under the limitations of the Kingdom of the Lord and His purposes for good, both for the interest of the suppliant and others, under the conditions of the interest of the whole Kingdom.

L. D. Bevan

Strong's Hebrew
8605. tephillah -- prayer
... Short Definition: prayer. Word Origin from palal Definition prayer NASB Word Usage
prayer (70), prayers (2). prayer. From palal; intercession ...
/hebrew/8605.htm - 6k

6279. athar -- to pray, supplicate
... root Definition to pray, supplicate NASB Word Usage answered (1), answered their
prayers (1), entreat (2), entreated (2), listened to our entreaty (1), made ...
/hebrew/6279.htm - 6k

Subtopics

Prayers

Prayers of Christ

Prayers of the Unrighteous

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Mention (41 Occurrences)

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Honouring (23 Occurrences)

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Entreaties (6 Occurrences)

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Petitions (24 Occurrences)

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Always (186 Occurrences)

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Lengthy (4 Occurrences)

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Wickedness (232 Occurrences)

False-hearted (6 Occurrences)

Truly (468 Occurrences)

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Mask (3 Occurrences)

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Pretext (11 Occurrences)

Pleasure (331 Occurrences)

Ceasing (15 Occurrences)

Thanks (151 Occurrences)

Amen (74 Occurrences)

Appearance's (2 Occurrences)

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Severer (4 Occurrences)

Severely (48 Occurrences)

Saying (2162 Occurrences)

Attitudes (1 Occurrence)

Terror (137 Occurrences)

Fellowship (114 Occurrences)

Urge (34 Occurrences)

Intercession (12 Occurrences)

Constantly (47 Occurrences)

Offering (850 Occurrences)

Sake (241 Occurrences)

Remember (230 Occurrences)

Continually (180 Occurrences)

Swallow (38 Occurrences)

Behalf (140 Occurrences)

Property (212 Occurrences)

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Thank (68 Occurrences)

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Praying (71 Occurrences)

Damnation (11 Occurrences)

Offered (320 Occurrences)

Making (644 Occurrences)

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Fixed (284 Occurrences)

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Pauline

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Awake (83 Occurrences)

Amulet

Judgment (430 Occurrences)

Greece (15 Occurrences)

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Houses (308 Occurrences)

Prayer (406 Occurrences)

Prayer
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