Jesus the Pray-Er (Prayer Life of the Lord‪)‬

The ideal reader of narratives--ancient and modem--must be prepared to respond to the emphasis of the narrative with respect to character, placing individuality or "typical" connection foremost to the extent which the narrative itself calls for such priority; but above all he must bring to his consideration of character a versatility of response commensurate with the infinite variety of narrative characterization. (1) The Lucan Jesus is a pray-er. To be sure, all four biblical Gospels record Jesus in prayer, and in expansive prayer in John's Gospel. (2) Yet Luke is singularly interested in Jesus' prayer life as an integral aspect of his life and ministry. (3)