Scripture:
Jesus is praying: “I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me for they are Yours.” John 17:9 “I do not ask for these only but also for those who will believe in me through their word…” John 17:20
Observation:
Why is Jesus praying like this in John 17? He is being very precise in “praying for this” and “not praying for that.” He is emphasizing relationship with the Father, witness of the Father, actions of protection for and by the Father: Praying for us.
Application:
Could have selected the whole chapter. I still have to wonder “Why is Jesus praying all of these things?” If I read (and re-read and re-read one more time) in some way it still confuses me because it reads like He is simultaneously repeating Himself and praying in circles. But what should I be taking away from this chapter? Some thoughts: 1) Perhaps Jesus is really praying to the Father for us. Not necessarily praying so that we would have record of His prayer but interceding for all of us. 2) Even so: Now we have an example of how to pray with biblical principle and conviction (synonym of Faith). 3) We can find confidence in the things that Jesus is praying. After all: It is not like He is tossing up empty words to the ceiling. Note: I am guilty of tossing up empty words in prayer every so often…Ok: Got me. A lot of times. Helps me to review how I pray especially in public. 4) There are particular jewels to be found in John 17. Some can be taken out and made greeting cards and plaques out of. Others can be extracted out of context and bent out of shape. I must be aware and careful. What jewels did I find? Well, to be candid, I found references that continue to make me think about the Doctrine of Election. I also found the care in which Jesus prays-he said many words but the words were calculated and accurate; they weren’t empty. I also found broad (but specific) references to the Gospel and the Living Word of God. Reading through daily devotions: Not everything is a home run. Sometimes (often) they are base hits, piling on each other until runs are scored. Patience and joy in patience. The Holy Spirit will provide.
Prayer:
Father. You see my heart. You see that it is wayward at times. My heart does not like to dig in the Holy soil for jewels; it likes to pick the shining bauble from the low hanging fruit tree. I recognize, however, that jewels and gold are found in diligently digging, amassing doctrine, principles, and yes, Your Living Word line upon line, precept upon precept. Please continue making me satisfied in Your Word for in Your Word is life found. Joyfully hungry, joyfully patience, joyfully diligent. AMEN.