Learning to pray as Jesus prayed
— a guide from John 17
These days we are studying on Sunday mornings out of John 17 and Jesus’ longest recorded prayer. We have the privilege of eavesdropping on the words of the Savior as he was talking to the Father just before his arrest. I have described it as Jesus in the Holy of Holies coming before the presence of the Almighty.
This is our greatest example of prayer.
In my message last Sunday, I told you that I would give you an example of how each of us could come into a deeper prayer life by following the example of Jesus. The following is NOT intended to be a formula; it is a guide to developing your own prayer life. Prayer truly is the privilege of entering into a conversation with the Creator God, our Almighty Father. This is the Holy of Holies that we can now access because of what Christ has done.
The first two parts of this prayer habit are:
- Pray for today—because today is all you know that you have.
- Pray for yourself—because you must first be a good steward of what God has given you today.
The model:
- There is a posture of prayer.
- There are scriptures to be used to pray and talk to the Almighty.
- There are ways we talk to God in our words.
As mentioned earlier, the prayer guide below is just a guide. Personalize it. Make it yours. My greatest hope is that in time, you won’t even need the guide because the habit of prayer has become so ingrained in your life. Take it and run with it, starting today.
PRAYER GUIDE
PRAYER FOR TODAY (AND EVERY NEW DAY)
Scripture:
Be careful how you live, not as the unwise but as the wise—making the most of your time, because the days are evil. — Ephesians 5:15-16
My Prayer:
Thank you, Sovereign God, for today! I submit this day to you. May it bring glory to you. May I use it well as your steward today, no matter what the circumstances that I face.
PRAYER FOR mySELF
1 - LOOK UP. Be in awe of God, with my eyes on the Father first.
Scripture:
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth. — Psalm 121:1-2
Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. … When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you set in place—what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care about them? — Psalm 8
My Prayer:
May I, dear God, be focused through all things on you as the only God in my life.
2 - LOOK IN. Align my heart with the Father's.
Scripture:
I urge you in view of God’s mercies, offer your lives as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to Him. Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but instead be transformed by the renewing of your mind. This is holy and acceptable to God. — Romans 12:1-2
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. — Proverbs 3:5-6
My Prayer:
Dear Father, may my heart be lined up and in tune with your heart in any and all circumstances.
3 - LOOK DOWN. Wherever I go today, planting my feet in a way that brings God glory.
Scripture:
Live your life worthy of the calling you have received. — Ephesians 4:1
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
— Philippians 1:27
We live by faith, not by sight. — 2 Corinthians 5:7
My Prayer:
Dear Father, no matter what comes today, may the places I go and tasks I achieve today point the world to you and not to me.
4 - LOOK AT MY MOTIVES.
Scripture:
My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard… — Romans 15:20
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. — 1 Peter 5:6
My Prayer:
I submit my life’s ambition to you, Father. Take whatever I do and accomplish today, and point it towards a life that represents you.
5 - LOOK AT MY SECRETS.
Scripture:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. — Psalm 139:23-24
My Prayer:
(From Psalm 19:14) May the words up of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.