Devotionals

Scripture Reading: John 17:9

As we study John 17, we see the pattern of Jesus’ prayer life. Anytime Jesus entered the garden, He would pray first for His own strength. Then, He would pray for those God had given Him (His disciples). Jesus knew their hearts that they were sincere believers. He prayed for specific things for His disciples and all the others who received Him while He walked on earth. He prayed for their protection so they could do greater works than He did. In verses 6–8, He told His Father that the men He gave Him were true and faithful to Him and to the Word of Truth. 

Another pattern we see is where Jesus prays for Himself to be glorified so that His Father would be glorified (verse 5). The word glorified means to render or esteem. Jesus wanted His Father honored and esteemed through His own death. Through His death, He knew that the gift of eternal life and remission for sin would be available to all. This is why Jesus’ pattern of prayer was focused more on others than Himself. Our Scripture text confirms this for us. We see in verses 9–11 that Jesus prayed for them:

Because they were His; they were not of the world.

• Because they glorified Him; not themselves.
• Because the world would still reject and persecute them.
• Because He wanted them to remain as one.

I would not be afraid to say that all Christians find it hard to pray for themselves. We must learn and adhere to this pattern of prayer that Christ left us. We must be strengthened so that our prayers for others will be effective. How long has it been since you have asked God to strengthen you? 

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• Tags: glory, prayer, strength

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• Posted by: Dr. Brenda Robinson