Deepening Our Relationship with God Through Prayer
Summary
In his message, Pastor Paul Gangle delves into the profound nature of Jesus' prayer life, particularly focusing on the prayer recorded in John 17. He begins by setting the scene of Jesus' last night with His disciples, a time of deep communion and teaching. Pastor Gangle emphasizes the servant leadership of Jesus, who washed His disciples' feet and shared the Last Supper with them, establishing the practice of communion. He highlights the confusion of the disciples, who were unaware of the significance of these actions and the impending crucifixion of Jesus.
Pastor Gangle then transitions to the heart of his message, the prayer of Jesus. He explains that Jesus begins by affirming His obedience to the Father's will and the successful transmission of His teachings to the disciples. The prayer then shifts to a focus on the disciples themselves, with Jesus praying for their protection, unity, and continued obedience to God's word. Pastor Gangle points out that Jesus' prayer is not for the world at large but specifically for those given to Him by the Father.
The message continues with a personal reflection on the challenges of moving to a new city and the parallels to being new in faith. Pastor Gangle uses this analogy to encourage those who are new believers to seek guidance and direction, just as one would need directions in an unfamiliar place.
Pastor Gangle also addresses the nature of God's care for His people, citing scriptures that assure believers of God's presence and help in times of trouble. He reassures the congregation that God is aware of their struggles and is capable of intervening, but also acknowledges that sometimes prayers seem unanswered. This leads to a discussion on the purpose of prayer and the importance of relationship with God.
The pastor challenges the congregation to approach prayer with the same heart as Jesus, seeking a deep relationship with the Father. He encourages them to engage in daily conversations with God, to listen for His guidance, and to align their desires with His will. Pastor Gangle stresses that prayer should not be treated as a wish list but as a means to walk in relationship with God.
In conclusion, Pastor Gangle calls the congregation to a deeper understanding of prayer as a relational dialogue with God. He invites them to participate in a three-day fast as a way to prioritize their spiritual journey and deepen their connection with God. The message ends with a prayer for the congregation to grow in their relationship with God and to become conduits of His light in the world.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus' prayer life serves as a model for believers, demonstrating the importance of aligning one's will with the Father's and seeking a relationship that goes beyond mere requests. Jesus' prayers were rooted in a deep understanding of His mission and His disciples' needs, and He prayed with the assurance that the Father hears and responds. [01:26:19]
- The essence of prayer is not to inform God of our needs or to remind Him of His promises, but to engage in a transformative relationship with Him. As we pray, we should remember that God is already aware of our circumstances and that our prayers are an opportunity to align our hearts with His purposes. [01:01:08]
- True prayer involves both speaking to God and listening for His guidance. It is a two-way conversation that requires us to be attentive to God's voice and willing to adjust our plans according to His direction. This relational approach to prayer fosters a deeper intimacy with God and a greater sensitivity to His leading. [01:18:15]
- The power of prayer is not dependent on our righteousness but on the righteousness we have through Jesus Christ. As believers, we are cleansed by His blood and made holy in God's sight, enabling us to confidently bring His light into dark places through our prayers. [59:53]
- Jesus' ultimate prayer for His followers is that they would experience unity with the Father and with each other. This unity is a testament to the world of God's love and the truth of Jesus' mission. As we pursue oneness with God, our lives become a witness to His transformative power. [01:24:27]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 17 - The entire chapter, focusing on Jesus' prayer for Himself, His disciples, and all believers.
2. Isaiah 43:2 - "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."
3. Matthew 6:8 - "Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the main themes of Jesus' prayer in John 17? How does He structure His prayer? (John 17)
2. According to Pastor Gangle, what were the disciples' reactions to Jesus washing their feet and sharing the Last Supper? ([01:11:18])
3. How does Pastor Gangle describe the nature of prayer in relation to God's knowledge and care for us? ([01:01:08])
4. What analogy does Pastor Gangle use to describe the experience of new believers seeking guidance? ([55:46])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize unity and protection for His disciples in His prayer? How does this reflect His understanding of their future challenges? (John 17)
2. How does Pastor Gangle's personal reflection on moving to a new city help illustrate the journey of new believers? What parallels can be drawn? ([55:46])
3. In what ways does Pastor Gangle suggest that unanswered prayers can still be impactful? How does this align with the concept of prayer as a relational dialogue with God? ([58:39])
4. How does the assurance of God's presence in Isaiah 43:2 provide comfort and encouragement in times of trouble? How does this relate to the sermon's message on God's care and intervention?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt confused or uncertain about God's actions, similar to the disciples during the Last Supper. How did you seek understanding or guidance? ([01:11:18])
2. Pastor Gangle encourages daily conversations with God. What practical steps can you take to incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine? ([01:26:52])
3. How can you align your desires with God's will in your prayers? Share a specific example of a prayer request that you can reframe to seek God's guidance and alignment with His purposes. ([01:20:02])
4. Pastor Gangle mentions the importance of listening for God's guidance in prayer. How can you create space in your prayer life to listen more attentively to God's voice? ([01:19:27])
5. Jesus prayed for the unity of His followers. How can you foster unity within your small group or church community? What specific actions can you take to promote oneness and harmony? (John 17)
6. Reflect on a recent challenge or struggle you faced. How did you experience God's presence and care during that time? How can Isaiah 43:2 encourage you in future difficulties? ([01:05:08])
7. Pastor Gangle invites the congregation to participate in a three-day fast. How can fasting help you prioritize your spiritual journey and deepen your connection with God? What specific focus or intention will you bring to your fast? ([01:31:24])
Devotional
Day 1: Aligning with the Father's Will
In the quiet moments before His betrayal, Jesus exemplified the essence of prayer as alignment with God's will. He prayed not for escape from His path but for the strength to walk it as ordained. This alignment is not about bending God's will to ours but rather bending our will to His. It is a surrender, a trust that the Father's plan is perfect, even when it leads through valleys of shadow. In this act of surrender, there is a profound peace that comes from knowing one is exactly where they are meant to be, doing exactly what they are meant to do. This is the heart of Jesus' prayer life—a constant, intimate conversation with the Father, seeking not His own glory but the glory of the One who sent Him. [01:26:19]
"Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." (Luke 22:42 ESV)
Reflection: How can you practice surrendering your own desires today to seek alignment with God's will for your life?
Day 2: The Transformative Relationship of Prayer
Prayer is not a monologue but a dialogue, an exchange where the soul meets God. It is not about informing God of our needs, for He already knows them, but about allowing our hearts to be transformed by His presence. This transformation is not instantaneous; it is a journey of faith where each prayer is a step closer to the heart of God. As we pray, we are invited to lay down our burdens and take up His grace, to exchange our weakness for His strength. The transformative power of prayer is not in the words we speak but in the relationship we cultivate with the Creator of the universe. [01:01:08]
"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us." (1 John 5:14 ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need God's transformation, and how can you invite Him into that space through prayer today?
Day 3: Attentiveness in Prayer
True prayer requires an attentiveness to the voice of God, a willingness to listen as much as to speak. It is in the stillness that we often hear God's whisper, guiding us gently on the path He has set before us. This two-way conversation is the lifeline of our relationship with God, a relationship that thrives on both speaking and listening. As we become more attentive to His voice, we find that our own desires start to echo His, and our decisions become reflections of His will for us. This attentiveness is not passive; it is an active pursuit of God's heart, a daily commitment to seek His face in every circumstance. [01:18:15]
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27 ESV)
Reflection: What distractions do you need to remove from your life to become more attentive to God's voice in prayer?
Day 4: Righteousness Through Christ in Prayer
The power of prayer does not depend on our own righteousness but on the righteousness we have through Jesus Christ. It is through His sacrifice that we are made holy, able to approach the throne of grace with confidence. This gift of righteousness is not something we earn; it is something we receive with humility and gratitude. As we stand in this righteousness, we become vessels of light in a world that often dwells in darkness. Our prayers become beacons, guiding others to the love and truth of Christ. This is the privilege of the believer—to pray not out of our own merit but out of the merit of Jesus, who intercedes for us. [59:53]
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit." (1 Peter 3:18 ESV)
Reflection: How does understanding your righteousness through Christ change the way you approach prayer and intercession for others?
Day 5: Unity in the Body Through Prayer
Jesus' ultimate prayer for His followers was that they would be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity is a powerful testament to the world of God's love and the truth of Jesus' mission. It is through prayer that we cultivate this unity, seeking not only our own relationship with God but also the harmony of the entire body of Christ. As we pray for one another, support one another, and love one another, we embody the unity that Jesus prayed for. This unity is not uniformity; it is a tapestry of diverse threads woven together by the hand of God, each thread essential to the strength and beauty of the whole. [01:24:27]
"I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me." (John 17:20-21 ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to foster unity within your church community or among fellow believers?
Quotes
1) "Jesus knew what the father was doing; he knew where his strength came from. He knew, 'I can't do it without my father's help; I can't do it alone.'" [01:02:26] (Download)
2) "Prayer isn't about bringing new information to God. We're not informing God of something new; we're not reminding Him of things He's forgotten." [01:03:48] (Download)
3) "Jesus had to pray because he had to listen to the father and draw from him. He knew something that a lot of us are still learning." [01:03:07] (Download)
4) "Every one of us in this room is washed clean equally by the blood of Jesus... God looks at you as righteous and pure and every sin you've ever committed is forgiven." [59:53] (Download)
5) "Jesus's prayer in John 17 really captures God's heart and also shows an element of prayer that's important for us to grasp." [01:10:36] (Download)
6) "Jesus's take is completely different. Jesus's take is, discover what it means to walk in relationship with the father and people are going to be watching you." [01:25:03] (Download)
7) "Jesus was all about relationship with the father and the disciples saw this. He'd get up early in the morning, he'd be up late at night, he'd stay up all night." [01:25:42] (Download)
8) "Please don't treat God like Santa Claus; it's a birthday wish list... God wants to walk in relationship with you, not just your neighbor." [01:28:07] (Download)
9) "Jesus's greatest commandment: love God and love others. It's all about relationship. Jesus was all about relationship with the father." [01:25:42] (Download)
10) "Jesus's prayer for his disciples: Lord, I've discovered what it means to be in relationship with you, and I pray they will too." [01:28:48] (Download)
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