“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.”
John 17:20
The New Testament records several prayers of Jesus. The one I cherish the most is found in John 17 where Jesus prays at length for Himself, His disciples, and us. When He spoke of those who would believe in Him, He was referring to you and me! Strictly speaking, God does not pray for us. But God is three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), two of which intercede for us. The Holy Spirit is in perfect communion with the Father, not like our imperfect prayer efforts.
We often lose focus when we pray. When we hear about someone’s need, we think, “I’ll pray about that later,” but then forget. The time to pray is right now, as soon as we hear about it. Paul said we should “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We might not spend all day on our knees. But throughout the minutes and hours and days of our lives, we see over time that we can be—and are—in almost constant conversation with the Lord.
Jesus prayed alone on a mountain, and He prayed in front of believers and scoffers. We can pray to Him at all times, too.
We often lose focus when we pray. When we hear about someone’s need, we think, “I’ll pray about that later,” but then forget. The time to pray is right now, as soon as we hear about it. Paul said we should “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We might not spend all day on our knees. But throughout the minutes and hours and days of our lives, we see over time that we can be—and are—in almost constant conversation with the Lord.
Jesus prayed alone on a mountain, and He prayed in front of believers and scoffers. We can pray to Him at all times, too.
Scripture Focus
John 17:20-26
Insight
Call on the Lord. He always hears your prayers, whether they are offered in desperation or peace, with others or alone, at beginning of day or end.
Bible In A Year
- Genesis 35-36
- Psalm 18
- Matthew 26
