Understanding the Power and Purpose of Prayer
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into John 17, the longest recorded prayer of Jesus, often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer. This prayer is profound as it captures Jesus praying for Himself, His disciples, and all future believers, including us. We explored the mystery and beauty of God praying to God, emphasizing the triune nature of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and how this mystery enriches our understanding of prayer. Jesus' prayer reveals His deep desires for His disciples: that they would know His words, be kept in His name, be unified, experience divine joy, be protected from the evil one, be sanctified, be sent into the world, and ultimately be with Him in glory.
We also discussed the relative value of prayer, addressing the question of why we should pray if Jesus and the Holy Spirit are already interceding for us. Prayer is not meaningless; it is a divine invitation to participate in God's sovereign work. Jesus commands and invites us to pray, indicating that our prayers are significant and impactful. We examined different types of prayer—conversational, focused, persevering, and thanksgiving—and encouraged finding a personal prayer style that fosters a deeper relationship with God.
Finally, we turned Jesus' prayer into practical guides for our own prayer lives. By aligning our prayers with Jesus' desires as revealed in John 17, we can pray confidently, knowing we are praying according to God's will. This approach helps us grow in our prayer life, ensuring that we are not only praying for ourselves but also interceding for others in a meaningful way.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Mystery and Beauty of the Triune God in Prayer:
The concept of God praying to God highlights the mystery of the Trinity—one God in three persons. This mystery is not just a theological concept but a beautiful reality that shows God's intimate involvement in our lives. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all interceding for us, demonstrating that God is deeply for us and understands our human struggles. This should fill us with awe and encourage us to engage in prayer with confidence. [07:41]
2. Jesus' Desires for His Disciples:
Jesus prays for His disciples to know His words, be kept in His name, be unified, experience divine joy, be protected from the evil one, be sanctified, be sent into the world, and ultimately be with Him in glory. These desires reveal Jesus' deep love and care for His followers. By understanding these desires, we can align our prayers with His will, ensuring that we are praying effectively and meaningfully. [11:39]
3. The Relative Value of Prayer:
Despite Jesus and the Holy Spirit interceding for us, we are still commanded and invited to pray. This indicates that our prayers are not redundant but are a vital part of God's sovereign plan. Prayer is a divine invitation to participate in God's work, and it brings blessings and mysteries that we may not fully understand but are essential for our spiritual growth. [19:38]
4. Different Avenues of Prayer:
Prayer can take many forms, including conversational, focused, persevering, and thanksgiving. Each type of prayer serves a unique purpose and helps us connect with God in different ways. Finding a personal prayer style that suits our relationship with God is crucial for a vibrant prayer life. This diversity in prayer practices enriches our spiritual journey and helps us grow closer to God. [22:46]
5. Praying According to God's Will:
By turning Jesus' prayer in John 17 into practical guides, we can pray confidently, knowing we are praying according to God's will. This involves praying for ourselves and others to know God's words, remain in His name, be unified, experience divine joy, be protected from the evil one, be sanctified, be sent into the world, and ultimately be with Jesus in glory. This approach ensures that our prayers are aligned with God's desires and are impactful. [24:08]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:11] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
[02:33] - Reflections on Ending the Series
[03:13] - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer Overview
[04:12] - Jesus Prays for Himself
[05:06] - Jesus Prays for His Disciples
[05:51] - Jesus Prays for Future Believers
[06:53] - The Mystery of God Praying to God
[07:41] - The Triune God in Prayer
[09:27] - The Beauty of God's Intercession
[11:39] - Jesus' Desires for His Disciples
[13:02] - Unity Among Believers
[15:33] - The Gospel and Unity
[17:00] - Sanctification and Being Set Apart
[18:18] - The Value of Prayer
[19:38] - Why We Should Pray
[21:10] - The Mystery of Prayer
[22:46] - Different Types of Prayer
[24:08] - Praying According to God's Will
[25:38] - Practical Prayer Guides
[30:53] - Homework and Invitation to Prayer Meeting
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 17
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the three groups of people Jesus prays for in John 17? ([03:13])
2. According to John 17, what specific desires does Jesus express for His disciples? ([11:39])
3. How does Jesus describe the relationship between Himself and the Father in His prayer? ([07:41])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus prays for His disciples to be unified? How does this unity reflect the relationship between the Father and the Son? ([13:02])
2. What does Jesus mean when He prays for His disciples to be "sanctified in the truth"? How does this sanctification set them apart from the world? ([17:00])
3. How does the concept of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) interceding for us enhance our understanding of prayer? ([07:41])
#### Application Questions
1. Jesus prays for His disciples to know His words and be kept in His name. How can you incorporate more of Jesus' words into your daily life? ([11:39])
2. Reflect on a time when you experienced divine joy. How can you seek to experience this joy more consistently in your life? ([15:33])
3. Jesus prays for protection from the evil one. What are some practical steps you can take to guard yourself against spiritual attacks? ([17:00])
4. Jesus desires for His disciples to be unified. Are there any relationships in your life, particularly within the church, that need reconciliation? How can you take steps towards unity? ([13:02])
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of different types of prayer. Which type of prayer (conversational, focused, persevering, thanksgiving) do you feel most comfortable with, and which one do you want to develop more? ([22:46])
6. Jesus prays for His disciples to be sent into the world. How can you be more intentional about living out your faith in your community or workplace? ([17:00])
7. Reflect on the idea that prayer is a divine invitation to participate in God's work. How does this perspective change the way you approach your prayer life? ([19:38])
Devotional
Day 1: The Mystery and Beauty of the Triune God in Prayer
The concept of God praying to God highlights the profound mystery of the Trinity—one God in three persons. This mystery is not just a theological concept but a beautiful reality that shows God's intimate involvement in our lives. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all interceding for us, demonstrating that God is deeply for us and understands our human struggles. This should fill us with awe and encourage us to engage in prayer with confidence. The triune nature of God enriches our understanding of prayer, showing us that prayer is a divine conversation within the Godhead that we are invited to join.
When we pray, we are not merely speaking into the void; we are participating in a divine dialogue that has been ongoing for eternity. This should give us great confidence and comfort, knowing that our prayers are heard and valued by a God who is intimately involved in our lives. Reflecting on this mystery can deepen our appreciation for the privilege of prayer and encourage us to engage in it more fervently. [07:41]
John 14:16-17 (ESV): "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."
Reflection: How does understanding the triune nature of God change the way you approach prayer? Can you take a moment today to thank each person of the Trinity for their unique role in your life?
Day 2: Jesus' Desires for His Disciples
Jesus prays for His disciples to know His words, be kept in His name, be unified, experience divine joy, be protected from the evil one, be sanctified, be sent into the world, and ultimately be with Him in glory. These desires reveal Jesus' deep love and care for His followers. By understanding these desires, we can align our prayers with His will, ensuring that we are praying effectively and meaningfully.
Jesus' prayer in John 17 is a profound expression of His heart for His followers. He desires that we be deeply rooted in His teachings, protected from spiritual harm, and unified in our mission. This prayer also highlights the importance of joy and sanctification in the Christian life. By aligning our prayers with these desires, we can be confident that we are praying according to God's will and that our prayers will be impactful. [11:39]
John 17:15-17 (ESV): "I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."
Reflection: Which of Jesus' desires for His disciples resonates most with you today? How can you incorporate this desire into your prayers for yourself and others?
Day 3: The Relative Value of Prayer
Despite Jesus and the Holy Spirit interceding for us, we are still commanded and invited to pray. This indicates that our prayers are not redundant but are a vital part of God's sovereign plan. Prayer is a divine invitation to participate in God's work, and it brings blessings and mysteries that we may not fully understand but are essential for our spiritual growth.
Prayer is not just a religious duty; it is a profound privilege and a powerful tool. Even though Jesus and the Holy Spirit are already interceding for us, our prayers still matter. They are a way for us to align our hearts with God's will and to participate in His work in the world. This understanding should motivate us to pray more fervently and consistently, knowing that our prayers have real value and impact. [19:38]
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: How does knowing that your prayers are a vital part of God's plan change your perspective on prayer? Can you commit to a specific time of prayer today, trusting that it has real value?
Day 4: Different Avenues of Prayer
Prayer can take many forms, including conversational, focused, persevering, and thanksgiving. Each type of prayer serves a unique purpose and helps us connect with God in different ways. Finding a personal prayer style that suits our relationship with God is crucial for a vibrant prayer life. This diversity in prayer practices enriches our spiritual journey and helps us grow closer to God.
Exploring different types of prayer can help us find the methods that resonate most with us and deepen our relationship with God. Conversational prayer allows for a more intimate, ongoing dialogue with God, while focused prayer helps us concentrate on specific needs or issues. Persevering prayer teaches us the value of persistence, and thanksgiving prayer cultivates a heart of gratitude. By incorporating these different avenues into our prayer life, we can experience a more well-rounded and fulfilling spiritual journey. [22:46]
Ephesians 6:18 (ESV): "Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."
Reflection: Which type of prayer do you feel most drawn to today—conversational, focused, persevering, or thanksgiving? How can you incorporate this type of prayer into your daily routine?
Day 5: Praying According to God's Will
By turning Jesus' prayer in John 17 into practical guides, we can pray confidently, knowing we are praying according to God's will. This involves praying for ourselves and others to know God's words, remain in His name, be unified, experience divine joy, be protected from the evil one, be sanctified, be sent into the world, and ultimately be with Jesus in glory. This approach ensures that our prayers are aligned with God's desires and are impactful.
Praying according to God's will means aligning our desires and requests with what God has revealed in Scripture. Jesus' prayer in John 17 provides a powerful template for this. By focusing on the themes of knowing God's word, unity, joy, protection, sanctification, mission, and eternal glory, we can be confident that our prayers are in line with God's heart. This not only makes our prayers more effective but also transforms our own hearts to be more like Christ's. [24:08]
1 John 5:14-15 (ESV): "And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him."
Reflection: How can you use Jesus' prayer in John 17 as a guide for your own prayers today? Can you choose one specific aspect of His prayer to focus on and pray for in your life and the lives of others?
Quotes
1. "We come to the last sermon of this convoluted series through the Gospel of John, and I have a little twinge of sadness. I feel a little bit of grief, like we're saying goodbye to an old friend that we've been with a long time. I felt the same way when we got to the end of Romans 8. Remember, we spent 20-some-odd weeks through Romans 8, and I got to the end of that. I'm thinking, well, that's it. There's nothing else good to preach on." [02:33] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What is interesting here, Jesus prays for three things. He prays for Himself, He prays for His disciples, and then He prays for all of those who would believe through the testimony of His disciples, which means He's praying for you and He's praying for me. And so we're going to focus on His prayer for the disciples and, by extension, for us this morning." [03:13] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The eternal triune God who was and is and is to come, the creator of all things, sustainer of all things, the end of all things. This God, Romans 8 says, is for us. And so this God, what has this God done to demonstrate that He is for us and to relate that? He sent His Son. He sent His Son. He sent His Son. He made us in every way, which means now that the Son who intercedes for us is able to sympathize with our weakness." [09:27] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God didn't have to be this way. God could have just been one God in one person, sitting on the throne, and yet He would never be able to sympathize with your weakness, what it's like to be human. And He would never know what it's like to be inside of the sin nature trying to transform it into the image of Christ. He would just be God sitting on the throne looking down at you and wondering, what is your problem. Why can't you get your act together?" [10:14] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There is something about the unity, particularly within a local church, that proclaims the gospel to the community around it. And when we are not unified in Christ, we are betraying the gospel to the world who is looking at us. So, there is gospel at stake for this whole idea of unity. This is why Jesus wants us to be unified." [15:33] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "It'd be possible for us to think like this. Well, if Jesus is praying for me, and if the Holy Spirit's praying for me, then I don't need to pray, right? What am I going to add? You know, if Jesus is at the right hand of God the Father praying for me, what am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? 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