Cultivating a Deeper Prayer Life - A Theology of Prayer

Study 28

Text: John 17

EXPRESSING OUR DESIRES TO GOD IN PRAYER

One of the most beautiful things we observe as we study the Prayer of the Lord Jesus in John 17 is the way He was able to pour out His heart so openly and completely to His Father. Consider how Jesus expressed His "desires" to His Father.

"Father, I desire that they also
whom You have given Me
may be with Me where I am,
that they may behold My glory
which You have given Me;
for You loved Me before
the foundation of the world."
John 17:24

From time to time, Jesus would cry out and say, "Father…" (John 17:1, 5, 11, 20, 24, 25). Prayer wasn't just a matter of reciting a lot of petitions to God. It was vital, deep and very precious communion with His Father!

The utterance of the word "Father" demonstrates the glorious relationship that Jesus spoke of and prayed for- "ONENESS." It was in the context of this closeness of relationship that Jesus expressed His "desire" to His Father. The word "desire" may be said to express Jesus' innermost thoughts and wishes.

How we must be challenged to cultivate our relationship with God in prayer till we too are able to speak of a closeness that enables us to pour out our heart's innermost desires to our Father in Heaven.

Let's work on developing our relationship with our Father first, before we speak of pouring out our heart's desires to Him. There are many who pour out their heart's desires but they do not enjoy a close relationship with God at all. Is God obliged to hear that petitioner's prayer?

ANOTHER EXPRESSION OF THE LOVE OF JESUS

Thank God for the great love of our Saviour. What a wonderful expression of love is found here. Jesus prayed that His Disciples might be with Him in Heaven. He prayed that they might be able to see the fullness of glory that was rightfully His!
What a beautiful thought this is! Ponder over these words of the Lord Jesus uttered in prayer.

"They also whom You have given to Me
may be with Me where I am,
That they may behold My glory
Which You have given Me…"
John 17:24

Such tender words! How overwhelmed we must be when we dwell on how the Lord Jesus must have uttered these words to His Father- on our behalf! How we must be moved to utter words of appreciation and adoration for such a Saviour!

PLEADING THE LOVE OF GOD

Jesus prayed that His Disciples may understand the significance of having "oneness" with God and with fellow-disciples. He went on to not only teach how this oneness may be achieved, he demonstrated it. This "oneness" is bathed in divine love.

Was Jesus confident that His prayer would be heard and answered? Obviously! He was as confident of His prayer being answered as He was sure of His Father's love for Him. His Father had loved Him "before the foundations of the world." He had always enjoyed the Father's love. That love was never in question at any time. It would not strain His Father's love in the slightest were He to make such a petition. His Father would answer His request, simply because He was Son!

PLEADING THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS WHEN WE PRAY

It is important that we learn an important lesson here. We must learn how to plead in the matchless Name of the Lord Jesus. When we plead in the Name of the Lord Jesus, we plead in the most powerful manner. The Father would hear our prayer for His Son's sake.

TAKE TIME TO PRAISE THE LORD TODAY

We should always take time to praise the Lord. He has blessed us with so much! We have a special reason to offer praise to the Lord today! Let us pause and then stand in awe of the kind of love that Jesus has shown towards us. Let us reciprocate with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving for a truly wonderful Saviour!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~