This week we look at Christ’s High Priestly Prayer. It’s the longest example in Scripture of Christ’s actual words while praying. In it, we’ll see Him pray for Himself, and then intercede for His disciples and all believers throughout the church age.
Here are the notes and audio files:
Audio: John17.mp3
Notes: John17.pdf
There is no need to rush off into allegations of imbalance. Without question some verses on prayer have been abused by people teaching weird doctrines. This one may even get the prize for “most abused”. Still, if we ever needed a motivation to pray, the following words of Jesus have to rank among the best.
And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” – Matthew 21:22 (NKJV)
Christ wants us to pray. He says this to encourage us to pray. The main reason behind this encouragement is likely that the Father desires to answer our prayers and Christ knows that better than anyone. He wants what is best for His people and, therefore, He wants us to pray, asking things, believing, so that we will receive.
In the midst of this week of prayer and fasting that we’re taking part in as a church, let these words of the psalmist David be an encouragement to you as you pray.
Psalm 61
To the Chief Musician. On a stringed instrument. A Psalm of David.
1 Hear my cry, O God;
Attend to my prayer.
2 From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For You have been a shelter for me,
A strong tower from the enemy.
4 I will abide in Your tabernacle forever;
I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah
5 For You, O God, have heard my vows;
You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name.
6 You will prolong the king’s life,
His years as many generations.
7 He shall abide before God forever.
Oh, prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him!
8 So I will sing praise to Your name forever,
That I may daily perform my vows.
What sense would it make to call upon the Lord if we couldn’t do so in the midst of trouble? What good would prayer ever be if we never expected God to answer?
In the midst of his many difficulties, David remained confident. He did so, not because he was a happy-go-lucky guy who just knew things would somehow work out. He did so because he knew he could rely upon the Lord.
You and I can have the same confidence that David had. David’s God is still there and hasn’t changed a bit. Let this prayer build your confidence in the God who answers in the day of trouble.
Bow down Your ear, O Lord, hear me;
For I am poor and needy.Preserve my life, for I am holy;
You are my God;
Save Your servant who trusts in You!Be merciful to me, O Lord,
For I cry to You all day long.Rejoice the soul of Your servant,
For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive,
And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;
And attend to the voice of my supplications.In the day of my trouble I will call upon You,
For You will answer me.– Psalm 86:1-7 (NKJV)
Central Reflections 