5 Ways to Pray Like Jesus

Jesus inspires us daily to follow what he teaches, appreciate his sacrifices, and love others as he loves us. We can also look to Jesus for insight into prayer. To deepen our devotion and create more a meaningful prayer life, consider following some of Jesus’ prayer rituals. Here are five ways to pray the same way Jesus did.

Pray Early in the Morning

Early morning hours offer peace and tranquility. The world isn’t fully awake, and the stresses of the day have yet to begin. This makes it a perfect time to sit with your thoughts and reach out to God. Jesus recognized the glory of the morning, so he often dedicated his mornings to prayer. As Mark 1:35 tells us: "Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.”

Pray During Important Moments

There were many pivotal moments in Jesus' life, and he chose them as opportunities for prayer. An example of this can be found in Luke 6:12-16, when Jesus spent all night praying to God before choosing his 12 apostles. Whether you’re about to make a crucial life decision or embark on a long journey, take time to pray for guidance and support.

Pray for Others

We should not only use the power of prayer for ourselves. Whether they are the praying kind or not, others deserve compassion. For Biblical affirmation of this concept, look no further than John 17:20-21. “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” Praying for friends, family, and even strangers is a mark of true compassion and selflessness.

Pray Before Meals

In a world where we can order food with just a few clicks, it can be easy to forget how fortunate we are to be able to eat when we’re hungry. Jesus understood the importance of basic provisions, as expressed in Mark 6:41. "Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all." 

Pray with Others

Jesus did not always pray alone. In Luke 9:28-36, Jesus prepared for his journey to Jerusalem from Galilee by ascending a mountain and praying with Peter, John, and James. Joining others in prayer helps create a more balanced prayer life, and brings you closer to your community.

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