The Lodestar

Jesus is the best example for his followers. The Book of Hebrews exhorts its readers to run their race of faith “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb 12:2).

He is our high priest in the heavenly sanctuary, but his life on earth, among many other aspects, is the best example of a life of prayer. Though God, Jesus still prayed during his days on earth. The Gospels record that it was his habit to pray. Luke records one of his prayers in Gethsemane (Luke 22:39–46). This passage is about the style of Jesus’ prayer.

“Supplications” signifies a submissive request, but Jesus’s supplications were with loud cries and tears. This reminds us of Jesus’ agonising prayer in Gethsemane (Luke 22:44). But not only at this point but throughout his lifetime on earth (“in the days of his flesh”), Jesus’ earthly prayers were constantly heartfelt, earnest, and accompanied by tears.

Though Jesus prayed to Father God, to “him who was able to save him from death”, he was not saved from death on the cross, but he was saved from the clutches of death as he rose again on the third day.

Jesus' prayers from a broken heart led him to cry out loudly, tearfully, and reverently.

Richard Foster says that “The Prayer of Tears,” has a rightful place in Christian life.* It is exemplified by Christ and followed by his disciples and apostles. The woman who came to Jesus washed Jesus’ feet with tears (Luke 7:36–50).

There are many reasons to pray with tears. Our sins and the sins of the world must lead us to tears. Jeremiah was the weeping prophet who poured out tears for the people's sins: “Oh that my head were waters, and my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!” (Jer 9:1). Paul ministered with humility and tears (Acts 20:19; Acts 20:31).

Prayer of tears is cleansing; it is not an end in itself, but it leads to unrivalled joy. The psalmist assures: “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him” (Psa 126:5—6).

When was the last time that we sat in the presence of the Lord and shed enough tears to wash his feet? The realisation of unworthiness, weakness, and total dependence fills our eyes with tears. But pride, self-confidence, and self-sufficiency dry up the tear glands. Let us ask the Lord for the grace to pray as he prayed on earth.

*Richard Foster: “Prayer Finding the Heart’s True Home.”

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