Skip to main content

Praying the Prayers of Jesus John 17:1-26, by Pastor Charlie Handren


The Bible teaches us that Jesus ever lives to intercede for his people, which means that he prays for us by name, by circumstance, without ceasing, and without end (see Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25). While we don’t know all that Jesus prays for us, we know some of what he prays because of texts like John 17. And since we know some of what Jesus prays, we would be wise to take his words as our own and join with him in calling on the Father. Indeed, prayer becomes powerful when we pray according to God’s will, and surely Jesus’ words reveal God’s will.
In John 17, Jesus says many things and asks for six things. So, then, let us read the prayer in its entirety, note the reasoning behind each of Jesus’ requests, and take up his words and join him in praying for these six things:

1.       Father, glorify the Son that the Son may glorify you (17:1, 5).
2.       Holy Father, keep your people in your name that they may be one, even as we are one (17:11).
3.       Father, do not take your people out of the world, but keep them from the evil one (17:15).
4.       Father, sanctify your people in the truth; your word is truth (17:17).
5.      Father, make all of your people one, even as we are one, that the world may believe you sent me and            know that you have loved them as you have loved me (17:21-23).
6.       Father, let your people be with me where I am to see my glory and be enfolded into our love (17:24-26).

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Deacons - How They Serve and Strengthen the Church (Part 1)

  One of the next important priorities for GCF is to establish deacons in the life of the church. On March 14, 2021 we were able to establish an elder team. Currently, we have a team of four elders overseeing the congregation of GCF.  However, there is more work to be done. I have come to see that establishing an elder team was the bare minimum that needed to happen for GCF to survive. I believe GCF now needs to turn our attention to raising up a team of qualified and willing deacons to serve the congregation so that it will not only survive but thrive.   I would like to begin a series of blogs on deacons to help us understand who they are and what they do in the life of the church.  In this blog let me provide three reasons why I think deacons should be near our top priority.  Number 1: It is Biblical. Paul instructs Timothy to install elders who will help him pastor the church. For whatever reason, it seems the churches in our circles treat the installmen...

Worship Songs, October 15, 2017

We post these worship songs leading up to the worship service so that parents may listen to them in the house or in the car within the days leading up to the worship service. Our hope is that children will hear the songs prior to and it will prepare them to participate in worship on Sunday mornings. My Redeemers Love Hope Has Come I Will Glory In My Redeemer Blessed Be Your Name Here In Your Presence Your Glory Be Still My Soul (In You I Rest) -- Sermon Text: John 11:1-16 That the next generation will set their hope in God and not forget the works of God (Psalm 78:7).

God Displays His Beauty While Lifting Heavy Burdens by Pastor Kevin

I know I am a little bit overweight. My doctor tells me so. The mirror that I look into affirms it and the scale (that I mostly avoid) reminds me every time I step on it. All of that makes what I am about to say so much more impressive. I had the privilege of sitting on the beaches of Florida's Atlantic coast for 8 days on our most recent family trip. For me there is something magical about the beach, especially on the Atlantic side with the waves washing up against the shoreline. We have been lucky enough to find a sleepy beach town to vacation at. A nook, if you will, that typically features retired folks or families with kids. Out of the way of those who want to party, the beach is truly a relaxing place for me.  Let me tell you something that I gleaned this time around that never quite landed on me. This last week it landed on me, almost literally. My son Ben and I are the more adventurous specimens in the Feder five. We actually get into the salty water where there are jelly f...