Cultivating a Deeper Prayer Life - A Theology of Prayer

Study 31

Text: John 17

HIGHLIGHTING TWO ASPECTS OF THE THEOLOGY OF PRAYER FOUND IN JOHN 17

Before we conclude our study of John 17, let us take time to review the theological principles that Jesus obviously espoused. Let us check and make sure that we have a strong theology of prayer. A correct theological perspective of prayer will prevent us from praying incorrectly.

Two major aspects are especially highlighted in this article. May our hearts be deeply challenged as we spend time reading and reflecting. (Take time to re-read John 17 as you read this article).

THEOLOGY OF GOD THE FATHER

1. KEEP YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF GOD THE FATHER IN FOREFRONT

Jesus' understanding or theology of God as Father was full and in the forefront. It certainly affected the way He prayed.

His regard for God as Father was obvious. Jesus would invoke the Father's Name from time to time. By doing this, Jesus was able to keep God in the foreground consistently (John 17:1, 5, 11, 21, 24, 25).

2. DEEPEN YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

Jesus understandably had a deep knowledge of God. His knowledge of God also affected His relationship with Him. The deeper the knowledge of God, the more vital a relationship is established.

Jesus spoke of God as "The only true God" (John 17:3). He spoke to God as His "Father" consistently. There was a deep bond between Jesus and His Father, and a deep knowledge had everything to do with it.

3. SEEK TO GLORIFY GOD'S NAME

A true and deep knowledge of God will cause us to desire to glorify His Name. The desire to glorify God's Name was certainly in Jesus' heart and mind. We pray correctly when we seek to honour and glorify God's Name (John 17:5).

4. UNDERSTAND GOD'S WILL

Jesus spoke of knowing and doing His Father's will. He spoke of that will as the work that was His to do (John 17:4). He always knew what to do, each and every day of His life on earth. This may be easily attributed to knowing God's will.

We could spend much time discussing many other attributes of God Jesus alluded to. However that would lead us back to studying John 17 all over again. The purpose of this review is to demonstrate that a theology of God is critically important if we want to understand how we may pray effectively.

THEOLOGY OF INTERCESSORY PRAYER

What was the essence of Jesus' prayer recorded in John 17? In one word, "Intercession."

The heart of prayer is "intercession." If we desire to learn how to pray effectively, we will find ourselves interceding for people in need. Prayer was never meant to be utilized in a selfish manner, where we are pre-occupied with bringing our many needs to God the Father.

1. A love for God's work will challenge a to intercede much
Jesus dedicated His entire life to serving His Father. The more He was involved in His Father's work, the more He found Himself in intercession.

2. A love for people (Disciples in particular) will challenge a person to intercede much
Jesus had developed a strong relationship with His Disciples. He knew their weaknesses and their strengths. He knew the problems that lay ahead of them. He found Himself naturally praying for them because of a deep sense of love for His Disciples.

3. An understanding of the powerful influence of the evil one
Jesus prayed that His Disciples may be kept from the power of the evil one (John 17:15). He knew only too well just how vulnerable His Disciples were. He knew how the Devil would attack them. Such knowledge should lead a person into the ministry of intercession.

Again, we are not going to enter into a full-length discussion of the theology of intercessory prayer. The points raised above are sufficient to demonstrate that the theology of prayer is vitally connected to the practical details of life.

The more we understand our faith, the more we are going to be inclined to pray. The more we know of the needs of people, the more we would be drawn to prayer.

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~