John 17

 Have you been around a person who really knows how to pray?  How would you explain the simplicity but depth to their praying?  When I am with. Person like that, I know that it takes more than practice. Their words are matched by N honest vulnerable humility that has come through testing and trial. That person’s heart is on fire for Hod, even though they may be hurting or filled with grief. Jesus’s praying is filled with love, purpose and meaning. Jesus knew His Father and so can we. 

“Suffering confronts us with the fact that life is not about us but about God. It is not about our glory but his.” / Paul David Tripp, Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life Doesn't Make Sense

““Pray as you can, and somewhere along the way, you will make the most important discovery of your life—the love the Father has for you. That discovery is God’s end of the deal. Your part is just to show up honestly. Show up, and keep showing up. That’s the one nonnegotiable when it comes to prayer.” - Tyler Staton, Praying Like Monks

“Jesus essentially hands in His final report to the Father. He says, “I finished the work You gave me to do.” He’s done all that is necessary for us to be saved. The gospel and salvation is never what God asks you to do to be saved, but instead it’s God telling you what He’s already done for you. Do you believe that by faith? 

Read John 17:6-10.

Next, Jesus prays for His disciples. He rehearses with the Father the beautiful relationship He’s had with this team. They now know that God sent Him. And now, with the love of the greatest teacher for His students, He intercedes for them. 

Read John 17:11-17.

This Great High Priestly prayer of Christ is for the present hour and for you. He prays for the unity of believers, an organic unity only God can accomplish. Our joy is only fulfilled in God. 

God’s Word is the most revolutionary book there is in the world. Its radical message is that you can’t save yourself; only Jesus Christ can. That runs counter to the world’s do-it-yourself philosophy.” - J Vernon McGee

"That’s it! You talk to God like a friend. You vent. You ask. You laugh. You listen. You unload. You just talk. You don’t try to sound more holy or pure or spiritual than you are. Prayer isn’t a noble monologue; it’s a free-flowing conversation, and the only way to get prayer wrong is to try to get it right.  When it comes to prayer, God isn’t grading essays; he’s talking to children....The deep fear that robs our prayers of power is the lie that the Lord isn’t near.” - Tyler Staton, Praying Like Monks