Day 6 - John 17: Prayer
Reading Passage: John 17
It was as my plane was taking off from Utah, to our old home of Tennessee, that I began a flight-long prayer crying out to God in praise for what He had done since our family moved away nearly four years ago.
My heart learned to trust on a whole new level. We may have remained unsettled for home — but absolutely surrendered to His absolute best, whatever on earth that might be… we were there for it.
My prayer of praise turned to petition, as I asked God to help my heart embrace the visit ahead with gratitude for His awesome provision.
He was good then, He is good now, and He can handle me and all of my feelings, fears, and failings.
We gain so much insight this week in John chapter 17, where Jesus spends time praying to His Father in heaven.
Prayer for His remaining time on earth would glorify His Father alone.
Prayer for the disciples to have understanding of the events to come.
Prayer for all people… not only those who believe, but who will believe in Jesus through the disciples sharing His message!
Just before He prays in John 17, Jesus spoke hope to the hearts of His disciples in John 16:33 to His disciples when He said,
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
He was preparing them to receive what was ahead, to walk in boldness and joy.
Throughout the duration of my flight I prayed and prayed and prayed until my heart had covered all the things. I love the example of Jesus we see in our passage.
He talked to His Father with obedience, vulnerability, authority and boldness. And we can too.
“God thank you for going before me, for teaching me to trust you as we waited and wondered while at the same time expressed our fear, doubt, and asked so many questions. I love where You’ve planted our family - but this trip may be hard because I love these people so deeply. Would you give me your peace, bring clarity of vision and purpose in where you have me now? Allow me to experience my old home as the launch pad for my new home. I am not worthy. I will never be enough, but YOU ARE everything I need forever. You are worthy of my praise, of my worship, of my full surrender for your Glory alone. I invite you into every conversation I get to have. I ask you to encourage the people I get to love on. I pray you will excite them for how you are alive and at work around them. Amen.”
He answered my prayer on so many levels friends.
It was the perfect five-day visit with my best friend in Tennessee, and not just your average friend.
Not only did we have 10 years of history together on our church staff serving families and leading, but we wrangled toddlers together. We helped each other adjust to newborns and the emotional roller coaster that accompanied those precious bundles.
We did ALL the things that week including but not limited to a mini-road trip to Alabama, just to stay at a fun hotel and begin our marathon 5-day conversation — at the spa of course.
We ate at our favorite places, we met up with friends for breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, and dessert. We laughed until we cried over and over. We spoke truth into each other’s lives. We listened and encouraged. We belted out worship songs at church together. We said goodnight at 11:00pm and then stayed up for round two until 2:00am many nights.
God gave me the desires of my heart on that trip. The hard moments were beautiful and confirming. Isn’t it amazing that we can also talk to God the same way Jesus did?
I can pray in the same way, spilling my heart out to God on that airplane and He hears me. How is this possible?
When I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of grace, when I believe that Jesus died for ME to take my sin and that God raised him conquering death, when I confess that Jesus is Lord over my life — I can come to God in prayer in the name of Jesus, the way Jesus did in our passage (Romans 3:21-23 and 10:9-13).
We demonstrate our trust in placing things that weigh heavy on our hearts, into His capable hands.
As you read John 17 today, what do we learn from the example of Christ that we can apply in our prayer life today?
Let us embrace the example of the way Jesus prayed to God and find great comfort in the truth that not only does He see us, but He knows us. We’re so happy you are joining us! Feel free to reach out with any questions that may rise as we study together.
Written by: Jenny Howell