Living 4 Him

“Everything I have been given comes from you.”  John 17:7 (NIV)

Have you ever started to pray to God and realized you were telling God everything that happened that day?  Maybe you felt like it was not much of a prayer, but in reality, it was exactly the prayer God loves to hear; baring the details occupying your mind, recognizing your need for God.  As we look closely at one of Jesus’ prayers, we see this same reflective nature in his words. He reviews what has happened. He remembers how God has been involved.  He requests the needs lodged in his heart and mind.

A very special chapter comes to us in the book of John; an entire prayer spoken by Jesus with his disciples after eating with them for the last time.  The prayer in John 17 follows three chapters of encouragement and wisdom given to his twelve closest followers before his arrest later that night. 

In studying the twenty-six verses spoken by Jesus in John 17, we discover that nearly two-thirds of the scriptures involve looking back and reflecting, reviewing and remembering the tasks Jesus has carried out and God’s involvement with the important work to be done.  Jesus also makes requests in this prayer (which we will read more about next week) but emphasizes God’s magnificent plans as he works through the lives on this earth.

During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.  Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. John 17: 12-13

With these words, Jesus acknowledges his time on earth, sustained by the unlimited power of God.  He recalls the words of teaching and support he has provided and the great joy feels for the disciples.  As Jesus reviews his purpose remembering God’s power, his resolve to complete God’s mission is reinforced. 

Whenever I read Jesus’ prayer, I am reminded of the Psalms which are written in a similar pattern of reflection, remembering God’s glorious works blended with requests.  The widely known Psalm 23 written by David is a loving review of who God is and what is does and what he will do.  Psalm 25 gives a mix of remembering: “The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to all who go astray.” (vs. 8, NLT)  and requesting: “Show me the right path, O God, point out the path for me to follow.” (vs. 4, NLT)

How does this pattern of reflection help us to pray? Reflection slows the pace of our minds to the restful state of our spirits.  Instead of racing to reach everything we want, we pull ourselves closer to God, pondering his spiritual pace on this earth.

Reflecting is not rehashing the past in a judgmental way, but recalling the way God is an essential part of our daily living, present in every moment.   By remembering, we recognize God as the one we need and the one who will supply.  Research shows that reviewing and remembering information can physically change our brains, creating stronger neurons connections in the brain. Therefore, reflecting on God’s greatness and his marvelous love for us, expands our trust in him.  

A powerful way to begins reflecting is starting with the verse quoted above:

“Everything I have been given comes from you.”  John 17:7 (NIV) Reach out to God by recalling all that he has given you.

Reflecting, remembering, reviewing, recognizing, recalling, reaching.  These R’s all lead to one very important result . . . reconnecting with God.  May Jesus’ model of prayer lead you to a quiet confidence in God that nothing will disturb!

Reaching in (allowing God’s word to work in your lives):  Read John 17 several times this week and reflect on Jesus’ words for you.  For extra study, read several Psalms observing the reflective nature of each one.

Reaching out (taking God’s word into the world): Slow your mind down through reflection, recalling the ways God has shown himself to you.