PRAYER AND ITS IMPORTANCE
- Key Verse
- After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so He can give glory back to you." (John 17:1, NLT)
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Central Truth
This chapter expresses the importance of prayer in our lives and Jesus demonstrated this through his fervent prayers for Himself, His disciples and for all of us.
Reflections
In some translations, e.g., NIV, verse 1 states "After Jesus said this, He looked toward and heaven and prayed."Jesus prayed to the Father. Jesus willingly offered himself to the Father and submitted all authority to Him. How can we as believers do anything less? Jesus realized His importance to all of us because He put into words that the Father had given him authority over all of us and provides each of us the gift of eternal life with Him. The picture of Jesus, our Savior, looking to heaven and praying to the Father is an amazing picture and something to keep in our minds and hearts whenever we pray. Jesus knew what He was facing and was not self-centered as we can be in our own lives. He was the ultimate sacrifice for us. He wanted to always glorify God even to the cross.
Jesus prayed for his disciples. Jesus thanked God for giving them to Him and allowing the glory of God to be revealed through them. Jesus asked God to protect them once He returned to heaven. When reading that part of the scripture, I cannot help but think of all the family members, friends, and others that I lift in prayer for God to protect and reveal Himself. Jesus also prayed for them to have the full measure of joy within them. True joy can only come through our faith in Jesus.
Jesus prayed for each and every one of us. He prayed for all who hear His message and believe. Jesus was serious about prayer because He knew all prayers were heard and answered. He wanted all to see His Glory, the glory the Father had given Him because the Father loved Him before the creation of the world. God also loved us before we were created.
Discussion Questions
1. How is your prayer life?
2. How can you emulate Jesus’ loving acts by praying for others when He prayed for others even though he knew he was facing an agonizing death?
3. What family members, friends, co-workers, and/or strangers have you met or come in contact with that need your prayers?
Do you ever tell someone you will pray for them and not follow through? How can you be better about this?
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