Firstly, true prayer should come from the heart. Jesus prayed from within, not with just words or gestures. His prayer was not based only on feelings or passing emotions. Prayer comes from within, beyond level of feelings, from ourselves. Sometimes prayer from the heart, from the “inner room” takes the form of words, at other times it may be like his own wordless cry.

Secondly, prayer is fed by faith. Jesus prayed with an unwavering faith in his heavenly Father, a faith that lasted till his death. He taught us to pray also with childlike faith in God, believing that our prayers are heard by the One who loves us.

Thirdly, prayer should be steady and persevering as His prayer was, even when no answer comes or when no relief is in sight. “Watch and Pray,” He says, “Seek and Knock,” till the door that reveals God’s holy will be opened.

His disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. He did, and He teaches us too. Yet Jesus is more than a teacher. We believe that Jesus prays for us; He is our intercessor before God.

As the Saviour, He gathers our prayers, our needs, the cries of our hearts to make them His own and offers them to God who hears our prayers in the prayer of His Son.

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