Luke's Invitation to a Life of Prayer

Abstract

The writer of Luke-Acts emphasizes prayer more than any other New Testament writer. The Gospel of Luke presents Jesus as a person modeling a life of prayer, teaching his disciples about prayer, and encouraging them to pursue their own lives of dialogue with God. The Book of Acts shows that early disciples follow Jesus’ example. Prayer is a vital part of their lives and the spread of the Christian faith. This distinctly Lukan emphasis invites modern readers to emulate Jesus and his early disciples while seeking closer communion with God, awaiting empowerment for his work, considering and selecting leaders in his church, and relying on him when facing trials.