Prayer is Like Music
Or How did Jesus Pray?
Few things are more annoying than listening to a band that is out of sync with one another. If a vocalist is off pitch, pinging in the ears is sure to follow. When everyone is in tune, harmony and melody paired well together, and the band members are following the leader, then what you’re potentially left with is soul-moving music so powerful that it can shape moods and even the actions of those listening.
In fact, I’m sitting in the corner of a Starbucks at the moment and a lady waiting for her order is currently swaying to the music playing over the speakers. I don’t think she even realizes it. That’s just what music does to people and prayer is definitely the same.
Prayer is about getting in sync with God. When you’re out of sync, life just seems to be in disarray no matter how hard you try for it not to be. But… when you get in sync with God through prayer, you’ll begin experiencing a so-to-speak, soul-moving music of God in life. You’ll be moved and most likely you’ll see others who are moved too.
I personally believe getting in sync with God through prayer is about learning to pray like Jesus prayed and the funny thing about all of it–there’s no secret formula to prayer just like there’s no secret formula to music. Jesus prayed in many different ways in many different situations at many different times. What follows are observations about what Jesus taught about prayer and how he prayed.
Jesus taught prayer. The first followers asked Jesus this question and he taught them what we now call the Lord Prayers. You can find it in Matthew 6:9–13.
Jesus taught persistent prayer In Luke 11:1–10 you find the same Lords Prayer teaching along with instruction to pray persistently.
Jesus prayed psalms On the cross Jesus prayed from a couple of psalms Mark 15:34, Psalm 22:1; Luke 23:46, Psalm 31:5
Jesus taught us to pray privately Matthew 6:5–6
Jesus prayed for others Matthew 19:13–14, John 17:9
Jesus prayed with others Luke 9:28
Jesus prayed alone Matthew 14:23, Luke 5:16
Jesus prayed in nature Luke 6:12
Jesus sometimes prayed all night Luke 6:12
Jesus prayed early in the morning Mark 1:35
Jesus prayed in the evening Matthew 14:23
Jesus prayed regularly Luke 5:16
This is not an exhaustive list of the when, where, and why of Jesus prayers but it’s a start. No particular way that Jesus prayed should be lifted up above any other prayer. Jesus prayed both spontaneously and liturgically. He prayed alone and with others. He prayed prayers of thanks but also prayers of sorrow. Prayer is a lifestyle, not a meeting, one-time event, or special ministry… Nothing can do justice compared to a life time of prayer modeled after the way Jesus prayed.
A couple of other resources
