Main Point and Overview:
Jesus’ earthly ministry had come to a close, and right before he died on The Cross for the sins of the world, he began his intercessory ministry for his disciples (Hebrews 7:25). He has been faithful to fulfill the will of God the Father, and now he prays for himself, his disciples, and those who will later form the church through his eternal salvation. He models for us the kind of “prayer content” that we can and should model for our own prayer lives. Often, the church is void of its true power – dependence on God. Instead, we celebrate and champion innovation over intercession, programs over petition, and structures over supplication. It is no wonder that so many churches are dying. We MUST get back to prioritizing our dependence on the almighty God! Even God the Son depended on God the Father. Jesus begins his prayer asking for glory that was due to him. He would soon complete the work of The Cross. Jesus then prays for his disciples. His prayer to the Father was one of protection and purpose. They needed boldness to share the Gospel and persistence in the face of the pushback. Finally, Jesus prayed for all of those people who would come to salvation when the New Testament church began. They needed to be fully unified together when the persecution came. Prayer must be purposeful. Jesus prayed for Gospel purpose. When’s the last time you prayed for Gospel purpose? Instead of prayers being focused on sensual desires, prayers must be centered on God’s glory. We need to pray for the eternal values of holiness, a sinner’s salvation, commitment in crisis, and much more. Take time to pray! Jesus offered to God the Father what is called the “high priestly prayer!” Who are you praying on “behalf of” for their growth or salvation?
Jesus’ earthly ministry had come to a close, and right before he died on The Cross for the sins of the world, he began his intercessory ministry for his disciples (Hebrews 7:25). He has been faithful to fulfill the will of God the Father, and now he prays for himself, his disciples, and those who will later form the church through his eternal salvation. He models for us the kind of “prayer content” that we can and should model for our own prayer lives. Often, the church is void of its true power – dependence on God. Instead, we celebrate and champion innovation over intercession, programs over petition, and structures over supplication. It is no wonder that so many churches are dying. We MUST get back to prioritizing our dependence on the almighty God! Even God the Son depended on God the Father. Jesus begins his prayer asking for glory that was due to him. He would soon complete the work of The Cross. Jesus then prays for his disciples. His prayer to the Father was one of protection and purpose. They needed boldness to share the Gospel and persistence in the face of the pushback. Finally, Jesus prayed for all of those people who would come to salvation when the New Testament church began. They needed to be fully unified together when the persecution came. Prayer must be purposeful. Jesus prayed for Gospel purpose. When’s the last time you prayed for Gospel purpose? Instead of prayers being focused on sensual desires, prayers must be centered on God’s glory. We need to pray for the eternal values of holiness, a sinner’s salvation, commitment in crisis, and much more. Take time to pray! Jesus offered to God the Father what is called the “high priestly prayer!” Who are you praying on “behalf of” for their growth or salvation?
Posted in Devotional