Introduction
Prayer is so much a part of Christian life, so difficult, so profound that is source of many humorous comments and stories. [Examples]

The Rhythms of Jesus' Prayer Life in Luke
Our study is in Luke. Prayer is for many the epitome of personal Christian experience. Christians pray. Others may pray, but prayer is especially Christian in many minds. Jesus prayed. He set the example. He prayed before important occasions. At Jesus' baptism, only Luke notes that Jesus was praying. Consider these examples from Jesus' life.

• Jesus prayed regularly, often, in isolation (5:16)
  
• Jesus prayed before choosing the 12 (6:12)
  
• Luke records mountain/marketplace cycle and rhythm of Jesus' life
  
• Even Peter's confession was while Jesus was praying privately (9:18)
  
• Also the transfiguration (9:28-29)
  
• Jesus teaching about prayer was in response to the disciples' response when he was praying (11:1)
  
• Jesus, of course, prayed in Garden (22:32,41)
  
• Prayed on cross (23:34,46)

Lessons About Prayer
Luke tells us about Jesus' teachings about prayer (11:5; 18:1ff; 18:9ff). Jesus prayed, we ought to pray. Prayer is part of our daily walk. Let us encourage a daily prayer time. We pray, but sometimes nothing happens. We pray, and sometimes the opposite of what we prayed for happens. What shall we think when prayer doesn't work, at least not the way we wanted? What shall we conclude? Let us look more closely at prayer.

• Persistent Prayer, The Persistent Widow, Luke 18:1-8
  
• Prayer without Pride, The Publican and the Pharisee, Luke 18:9-14
  
• Personal Prayer, Jesus on the Mount of Olives, Luke 22:39-46
  • The custom of prayer
    
  • The closet for prayer
    
  • Communication
    
  • The cup
    
  • Commitment
    
  • Conquest through prayer
    
  • The cross
• Persevering Prayer, Jesus was refreshed and resolute but they were exhausted, Luke 22:45-46