Jesus Before Raising Lazarus
Jesus
Standing before the tomb of His friend Lazarus, who had been dead for four days, Jesus prayed aloud. His prayer was not a plea for power — He already had it. It was a prayer of gratitude and public faith, spoken so that the crowd would believe that the Father had sent Him.
[41] So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. [42] I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” (ESV)
- •Jesus prayed publicly, not to show off, but to point people to the Father. He began with thanksgiving before the miracle happened. He prayed with absolute confidence that the Father always hears Him. His prayer was missional — meant to produce faith in those listening.
Prayer can be a public testimony. When we pray with faith and gratitude, even before the answer comes, we invite others to see God at work. We can pray with confidence, knowing the Father hears us.
Jesus prayed before miracles — not to obtain power, but to acknowledge the Father as the source. His public prayers were a testimony, inviting others to believe.
Father, I thank You that You always hear me. I pray with faith, not because I see the outcome, but because I trust who You are. Use my prayers and my life to point others to You. Let my faith be visible, so that others may believe.
Continue talking to God in your own words.
Faith & Trust
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