Jesus’ Prayer Life

Reading about what and how Jesus prayed in John 17 was inspiring to read. It’s like experiencing what the relationship between God the Father and God the Son is like, up close and personal. They were deeply connected. This was a relationship unlike any other. When I think of relationships, I think of family and friends, who I am the closest to, and how I communicate with them. I also think about who I’m not close to, and what I can do to bridge that gap. Being close to the Father was important to Jesus, God the Father was his source of strength. I read John 17 a few times, and at a slow pace, to fully grasp the essence of what Jesus was praying about to the Father. 

When I read how Jesus prayed, I can see the immense love that the Father and the Son have, and they had this love since before the foundation of the earth, before our world or anything in it ever existed. This is deep. I can’t begin to comprehend the depth of this love, but I do see the profound connection and deep love between Jesus and the Father. I see the great compassion of Jesus for the Father, and for those the Father chose to give to Him in his prayer. I see our Savior, in action, interceding personally for the believers, and doing so with an intensity of devotion. This is who our Lord is, and this is how He prayed!

Now I ask myself, am I praying to God the Father for the saints in the same way that Jesus did? Do I pray with an intensity of devotion, or am I simply uttering words in the hope that God hears, and answers me? What if I prayed like Jesus prayed, and what if I had the heart and compassion for the church like Jesus had? How would that change my prayer life? I have to admit, I need to do better by loving my church family the way Jesus loves his church. My own personal communication with God the Father also needs to improve and grow, so that I am truly growing in my faith and becoming a more mature Christian. But thankfully, I can continue to pray to God and ask for wisdom, knowledge, patience, increased faith, and more love and compassion for people. Jesus loved God, and Jesus loved people immensely. I want that same love for God and for people. I am grateful that many of Jesus’ prayers were written down so we can have them today, and learn from Jesus. Glory to God our Father! Amen.