How do you find joy and peace for today and for whatever comes next in your life?
In John 17 we have the privilege of eavesdropping on an intimate conversation between the Son and the Father just days before Jesus goes to the cross. In this conversation we catch a glimpse of how Jesus prepares himself to move forward into the most stressful period of his life.
Jesus prayer in John 17 provides us with a model of how we can find the strength and peace we need for today, and for whatever comes next in our lives.
Jesus prayed from a place of confidence, knowing that he had overcome the world (John 16:33).
We can pray with confidence, knowing that we pray to the one who has overcome the world.
Jesus prayed from a place of confidence, because he knew that his life had glorified God, and he had completed everything God had asked him to do (John 17:4).
You may read this, and look at your own life and feel like you haven’t always glorified God, or you haven’t completed everything God has asked you to do. There is good news! Anyone who believes that Jesus died on the cross for their sins can pray with confidence because the blood of Christ washes away all our mistakes, selfishness, and lack of love. Jesus loves you … no strings attached!
Because of the cross God sees us as righteous and hears our prayers.
Jesus prayed with certainty, knowing that His Father was a promise keeper. Jesus prayed with assurance, knowing that his identity rested in his relationship with His Father. Prayer reorients our focus to God.
Prayer is a privilege, where we can claim God’s promises before we move forward. Prayer is an opportunity to remember who we are in Christ before we quietly and faithfully go about our day. Prayer shapes our lives, so that everything we do will bring to glory to God.
Jesus prayed with faith because he knew that what lay before him would happen exactly according to his Father’s perfect will.
We can pray with faith, knowing that unless we deliberately choose to sin, whatever comes next will happen according to our Heavenly Father’s perfect will.
Having prayed, Jesus moved forward to the cross with joy! (Heb 12:2)
Having prayed … with your eyes fixed on Jesus … go with joy!
Go, and be the best employee you can be! Go, and be the best parent you can be! Go, and be the best student you can be! Go, and be the best friend you can be! Go, and bring glory to God!
Read John 17:1-5 on BibleGateway
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