Learning to Pray Like Jesus

Introduction: A Request that Changed Everything

Luke 11:1–13 ESV

Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.” And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Big Idea: Prayer is a disciples response to Jesus’ example and teaching.

Prayer isn’t natural—it’s learned by seeking Jesus’ guidance.

A: The disciples noticed Jesus’ prayer life and wanted it for themselves.

John 14:12–13 ESV

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Historical Illustration: Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) was inspired to pray after observing his mother Monica’s persistent prayers for his conversion, leading to his own transformation.

B: Asking to learn prayer shows humility and hunger for God.

James 4:2–3 ESV

You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.

In 1738, John Wesley, feeling spiritually dry, attended a prayer meeting at Aldersgate Street where his heart was “strangely warmed,” sparking the Methodist revival.

Transition: Like the disciples, we start by watching Jesus and asking for help.

1. The Pattern of Prayer (Luke 11:2-4)

Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s priorities.

A: It begins with worship and submission (“hallowed be your name, your kingdom come”).

Matthew 6:33 ESV

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Historical Illustration: During the 1620 Plymouth voyage, the Pilgrims prayed the Lord’s Prayer daily on the Mayflower, anchoring their hope in God’s will amid storms.

B: It includes daily needs, forgiveness, and protection—practical trust in God.

Philippians 4:6 ESV

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Corrie ten Boom, while in a Nazi prison camp, prayed for daily bread and forgiveness, finding peace even in suffering (from *The Hiding Place*).

How often do your prayers prioritize God’s glory over your own agenda?

2. The Persistence in Prayer (Luke 11:5-10)

God welcomes bold, persistent prayer—not because He’s reluctant, but because He’s relational.

A: Persistence reflects trust in God’s willingness to hear us.

Hebrews 4:16 ESV

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Historical Illustration: George Müller (1805-1898) prayed relentlessly for funds to support his orphanages, once receiving bread just as supplies ran out, trusting God’s timing.

B: Asking, seeking, and knocking build a deeper connection with God.

Matthew 7:7–8 ESV

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

In 1859, a New York businessman, Jeremiah Lanphier, started a noon prayer meeting that grew into the Third Great Awakening because he wouldn’t stop knocking.

Think of a friend who texts until you answer—God delights in our persistence.

3. The Promise of Prayer (Luke 11:11-13)

Trust God’s fatherly love to answer in ways that exceed our expectations.

A. God isn’t a trickster—He gives good gifts, not harm.

James 1:17 ESV

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

Historical Illustration: During the 1904 Welsh Revival, Evan Roberts prayed for the Holy Spirit, and God answered with a nationwide awakening, far beyond his small requests.

B: The ultimate gift is the Holy Spirit, God’s presence in us.

Acts 1:8 ESV

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Hudson Taylor, missionary to China, prayed for strength in 1865 and felt God’s Spirit sustain him through decades of hardship (from his biography).

What “good gift” are you hesitant to ask for? Trust God’s generosity.

Start Where You Are

Call to Action: Pray simply, persistently, and confidently this week, using Jesus’ prayer as a guide.

We learn prayer by watching Jesus (v. 1), following His pattern (vv. 2-4), staying persistent (vv. 5-10), and trusting God’s promises (vv. 11-13).

Closing Story: In 1942, a soldier in WWII prayed the Lord’s Prayer in a foxhole, finding courage to save his squad—simple words, big faith (anecdote from war memoirs).

Prayer: Lead the congregation through the Lord’s Prayer, pausing to reflect on each line.