The Simplest Model of Prayer

March, 2005

by: Walt Bertelsen

Look at the man’s Man

The Christian walk is meant to be simple (not easy). You don’t have to be a theologian to make the Christian life seem complicated. We all seem to do that on a regular basis. This is tragic when it comes to prayer.

Bad thinking (bad theology) leads to bad conclusions such as: God is sovereign, so it doesn’t really matter if I pray or not. Wrong! God tells us to never give up on prayer (Lk 18:1, 1 Thes 5:17). Or, we think: I must pray in faith, but God doesn’t answer—so I must not have enough faith. This idea wrongly makes God’s action dependent on the size of your faith. Such thinking yields a zero prayer life. God wants to change your prayer thinking, so you may discern and submit to His will (Rom 12:1,2).

The model prayer life of the Man Christ Jesus

Our Model for change is Jesus. His invitation: “Learn from Me… you will find rest” (Mt 11:29).

His family communication: Jesus called Him Father. “Well, duh! Of course!” you say. But do you remember how the Pharisees reacted? They were ready to kill Jesus for making Himself equal with God (Jn 5:17, 18). Jesus used the Aramaic term abba, (Mk 14:36), a term similar to English daddy. And Jesus taught His disciples to pray this same way (Lk 11:1ff). The Greek word for Father would translate abba. The point here is not the terms we might use, but the relationship we have been given in grace.

You are the adopted child of God (Eph 1:5-6; Rom 8:14-17; Gal 4:6). His plan for you from eternity: to make you Christ-like, and to make you His brother (Rom 8:28,29).

Calling God your “Father” has nothing to do with your imperfect father experiences on this earth. In making Himself known as our perfect abba, God is communicating not only your relationship to Him, but His faithful compassion and love, His interest and delight in you and your concerns. He may not give you what you want, but He will give you what you need—as is fitting for the real Father that He is. He is committed to your real good (Heb 12:10, Rom 8:28). Count on it: It’s always safe to trust the Lord.

His attitude of dependence and submission to the Father: Not much more can be said than Jesus’ words in the garden: “…not My will but Yours be done” (Lk 22:42). He only did what He saw the Father doing (Jn 5:19). His prayers were heard because of His reverent submission (Heb 5:7). We follow Jesus’ humble dependence and submission when we offer ourselves as living sacrifices (Rom 12:1)—and not crawl off the altar.

His content was the Word and will of God (especially God’s two great commands): When you read over the prayers of Jesus, note that they are consumed with two things: first, loving, thanking, and honoring the Father by doing His will; and secondly, intercession for others. Note especially the prayer pattern He taught (Mt 6:5-14), His wrestling in the garden (Mt 26:39,42), His prayer for you (Jn 17:20-26). May the eyes of your heart be enlightened, so you will know the hope (Eph 1:18).