Q: #204. How many times did Jesus pray in the Bible?
A: The Bible tells us in (1 Th 5:17) to “pray without ceasing.” While I don’t believe this literally means to never stop praying, I would say that Jesus probably came closer to never stopping than any person who has ever lived on this planet. He was continually in a prayer mode. He is shown to pray: alone (Mt 14:23)(Mk 1:35)(Lk 9:18)(Lk 22:39-41), in public (Jn 11:41-42)(Jn 12:27-30), before meals (Mt 26:26)(Mk 8:6)(Lk 24:30)(Jn 6:11), before important decisions (Lk 6:12-13), before healing (Mk 7:34-35), after healing (Lk 5:16), to do the Father’s will (Mt 26:36-44), among other things. He also taught on the importance of prayer (Mt 21:22)(Mk 11:24-26)(Mt 7:7-11)(Lk 11:9-13)(Jn 14:13-14)(Jn 15:7,16)(Jn 16:23-24)(Mt 5:44)(Lk 6:27-28)(Mt 6:5-15: including the Lord’s Prayer)(Lk 11:2-4)(Mt 18:19-20). If you take all of the places that show Jesus praying, you will have a PERFECT outline of how to pray (check out Jn 17).
Below are all of the verses I could find in the Gospels that show Jesus praying.
(Lk 3:21-22) At His Baptism.
(Mk 1:35-36) In the morning before heading to Galilee.
(Lk 5:16) After healing people.
(Lk 6:12-13) Praying all night before choosing His 12 disciples.
(Mt 11:25-26) While speaking to the Jewish leaders.
(Jn 6:11) Giving thanks to the Father before feeding 5000.
(Also see: Mt 14:19, Mk 6:41, Lk 9:16)
(Mt 14:23) Before walking on water.
(Also see: Mk 6:46, Jn 6:15)
(Mk 7:31-37) While healing a deaf and mute man.
(Mt 15:36) Giving thanks to the Father before feeding 4000.
(Also see: Mk 8:6-7)
(Lk 9:18) Before Peter called Jesus “the Christ.”
(Lk 9:28-29) At the Transfiguration.
(Lk 10:21) At the return of the seventy.
(Lk 11:1) Before teaching His disciples the Lord’s Prayer.
(Jn 11:41-42) Before raising Lazarus from the dead.
(Mt 19:13-15) Laying hands on and praying for little children.
(Also see: Mk 10:13-16, Lk 18:15-17)
(Jn 12:27-28) Asking the Father to glorify His name.
(Mt 26:26) At the Lord’s Supper.
(Also see: Mk 14:22-23, Lk 22:19)
(Lk 22:31-32) Prayed for Peter’s faith when Satan asked to “sift” him.
(Jn 17:1-26) Prayed for Himself, His disciples, and all believers just before heading to Gethsemane.
(Mt 26:36-46) In Gethsemane before His betrayal. (He prayed 3 separate prayers.)
(Also see: Lk 22:39-46, Mk 14:32-42)
(Lk 23:34) Right after being nailed to the cross, Jesus prayed, “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
(Mt 27:46) While dying on the cross, Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
(Also see: Mk 15:34)
(Lk 23:46) In His dying breath, Jesus prayed, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.
(Lk 24:30) Prayed a blessing on the bread before He ate with others after His resurrection.
(Lk 24:50-53) He blessed the disciples before His Ascension.
Some also believe there are verses outside of the Gospels which show that Jesus is still praying (making intercession) on our behalf (Rom 8:34)(Heb 7:25)(Heb 9:24)(1 Jn 2:1), even though He is now in Heaven. However, I do not interpret these verses in this way.
Thank you for this information very useful as I prepare a bible study.
You’re welcome Daniel. Glad I could help.
Thanks!
You’re welcome Dylan.
Thank you so much! 🙂
You’re welcome Mimi.
Ah! This is so helpful. I am LDS and preparing to speak for Christmas. Thank you!
Glad I could help Samuel.
Thank you very informative
You’re welcome Sandra. Glad I could help.