Teachings of Jesus on Prayer

Of course, the Gospel is a concise and compact dictation of the early Christian tradition and is not nor can be considered to be a comprehensive record of the life of Jesus and His teaching which the Apostles spent their lives implementing, living our, and communicating what it means to others. The Gospel is not limited to the Bible, but the recorded Gospel handed down by Sacred Tradition is the foundation of the Christian life. The teaching on prayer that comes through the Gospel is likewise a foundation. Paul builds on this foundation in his epistles. On several occasions, Jesus speaks of prayer, gives examples of it, or He speaks of things related to prayer. 

The parable of the publican and the pharisee indicate His call to humility, especially in prayer (Luke 18:9-14). Often when He speaks of prayer, He also emphasizes the need, via humility, to understand that we rely upon God for all things (John 15).[1] Thereby, He urges us to frequently recall our filiation; that we may depend and pray to God as our Father.[2] By the example of His prayer, He disposes us to do God’s will, be prayerfully attentive, and to pray with the certitude of the answer to our prayer.[3] He encourages us to pray to “Our Father” and thereby proclaims the unity of Himself with the people by recognizing us as God’s children/family.[4] By answering the Request of His mother even when His “hour had not yet come” we can be moved with certainty to ask for our mother’s (insofar as we are Christ’s brethren and members of His body) intercession (Matthew 22:1-14).[5] He also prays to the Father, in a priestly way and thereby encourages us to pray in a similar manner (on behalf of the world with the world). [6]

In conclusion, prayer is a concrete expression of the Christian mystery (which makes sense because concrete is foundational in the philosophical sense and also the literal and physical sense). As such the Christian has nothing to root his life in if he/she does not do it. God is not indifferent to us, how can we be indifferent to Him? God created us to give of Himself, to love us, and to help us fall in love with Him. Why don't we let Him? It is clear through this summary of Christ's teaching recorded by the Gospel that prayer is a multifaceted thing and is very rich. Prayer is the fourth greatest gift God has given us (to Creation, Salvation, and the Holy Spirit [all of which are related]). Let us be what it means to be Christians and pray because to bear Christ in our name means to be like Him Who prayed always.

FN:

1. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 28, 300, 517, Cf. 755, 1988.
2. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2609, 2610, 2612, 2613, 2616.
3. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2611.
4. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2786-2793.
5. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2618.
6. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2614, Cf. 2615

Oh God Who we need at every moment of existence,

let us be like You. Let us combat our sin by prayer and penitence.

Let us find you where you are.

Bring your grace to make us Who You are.

Help us to see your presence in our lives.

In all things make yourself known to the one who strives

That everything we do might glorify and reveal love for You.

Oh God, teach us how to pray and bring us to all that is true.