Living 4 Him

“Make them holy-consecrated-with the truth.”  John 17:17
(The Message)

Prayer is a gracious privilege given by God in each moment we live on earth.  Jesus taught us much about prayer through the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) and invited us to “ask, seek and knock.” (Matthew 7:7)  In John 17 as we listen to one of Jesus’ prayers we learn more about the ministry of praying for others.

The prayer in John 17 is often called the Intercessory Prayer because Jesus lifted up needs for himself, for the disciples and for all future believers. That’s us!  Intercession originates from a Greek word that means to “meet with” or “come between.” To intercede means to pray on behalf of another person, desiring God’s best for them.  In the Old Testament, Moses often interceded for the Hebrew people, pleading with God to lead their actions for God’s own glory. (Exodus 32-34)  Daniel also raised prayers for his city, acknowledging God’s righteousness and asking mercy upon Jerusalem. (Daniel 9)

Our hearts were designed with a capacity to care, so praying for others is a outpouring of our concern for others well-being. As we remember people in prayer, we recognize their needs and demonstrate compassion in hope that God provides what is right for them.  Intercession is a form of loving others.

Let’s turn to the specific requests Jesus made in his prayer (translated from The Living Bible) to better understand the hunger and compassion in his heart.

“Reveal the glory of your Son so that he can give glory back to you.” John 17:1(The Living Bible) Jesus prayed first for himself which leads my mind to the command to “love others as we love ourselves.”  If we want to pray effectively for others, we must keep ourselves aligned with God and his heart. This happens through praying for ourselves.  It gives God great honor to hear his children praying, especially when they want their lives to bring attention to him. 

“Keep them safe from Satan’s power.”  John 17:16  Protection for the disciples was paramount for God’s redemptive plan to be carried through.  Jesus asked for highest protection, knowing that God’s safety net supersedes all others.  Jesus gave us access God’s safety net as well.

“Make them pure and holy through teaching them your words of truth.” John 17:17  Jesus prayed these words over his disciples, but their power radiates to all of us, presenting hope for who we are becoming.  Through the wisdom of God’s truth, we all have opportunity to become like Jesus.  Ask and you will receive!

“My prayer for all of them is that they will be of one heart and mind, just as you and I are, Father—that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me.” John 17:21 Jesus’ ultimate hope comes through in this scripture.  For all people to become one with God.  Thinking God’s thoughts.  Performing God’s actions.  Speaking God’s words. Living as one with God, redeemed and holy, unified in God’s desires for the world.  Doesn’t this sound like heavenly?  It’s a prayer our world needs desperately each day.    

“Father, I want them with me—these you’ve given me—so that they can see my glory.” John 17:24  Jesus’ last request is bold.  He wants all to be with him–all to believe–so they can see the magnificent beauty Jesus sees in the world.  He is asking to be with them always, ever-present, dwelling within them, his spirit guiding and giving.  The hunger of Jesus’ heart is for all to be fully his!  In many ways, his prayer is also our prayer. 

Prayers for ourselves and prayers for others are precious to God.  He can feel the passion behind those prayers, the love that drives us to wish others favor and provision.  As we intercede on behalf of others and seek a stronger relationship with God, let’s add Jesus’ prayers to our own, leading ourselves and others to the full life, the better life . . . the life of riches in God. 

Reaching in (allowing God’s word to work in your soul): Reread the requests of Jesus and let these words influence your spirit in a deep way.

For extra study see Moses’ prayer in Exodus 32:11-14 and a conversation with God in Exodus 33:12-23.

Reaching out (taking God’s word into the world): The prayer below was written using Jesus’ words.  You can substitute your name or other’s names as Jesus intercedes through us.

My Father in Heaven,

May _______________  bring glory to You.

Protect _____________ from the evil one.

Make ____________ pure and holy with your truth.

May _______ become one in heart and mind with You.

Be with ___________ so they can see your glory.

In the name of Jesus, I pray.  Amen.