Volume 2 Post/Email 6 – John 17:22-23
Why do you pray?
No doubt, this is a question for which one could think of several answers from Scripture.
Whatever else it may be, prayer is first and foremost an act of love. Prayer is born of a desire to be with Jesus. To really love someone implies a natural longing for presence and intimate communion.
So, one reason for praying should be that you want to grow closer in union with Jesus and with your Father!
Jesus prayed that we would experience the same union and closeness that he has with the Father.
"I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." (John 17:22-23)
Is my life in harmony with God? Am I experiencing God's loving presence and glory? Am I receiving God's love in prayer, and expressing love to my Father, and my Lord and Shepherd Jesus, through prayer?
Prayer is vital to union with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit.
Some simple but heart-felt prayers we can express to God each day:
"Father, I belong to you."
"Father, may I be in union with you today as your child."
"Father, I love you. Thank you for loving me 100%."
"Father, better is one day worshipping you than a thousand doing anything else."
Galatians 4:6 speaks of our relationship with our Father - "Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who cries out, "Abba, Father."
The Spirit cries out to His Abba.
If the Spirit dwells in you, He is prompting you to talk with your Father each day.
Throughout the gospel narratives of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Jesus talks with His Father.
Jesus prayed for us, including that we would know the Father's love.
John 17:23b - "...to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
One reason I pray is because I love being a child of God. I desire to talk with my Father, to express my love, and to grow closer in love and union with Him.
This week, will prayer be a chore, or a joy?
-Brian
(Below is a prayer from Brennan Manning's book "Souvenirs of Solitude", Chapter 4, pg. 43)
Lord - I'm not free - but who wants to be?
You're all that matters in my life.
I don't want to be free of my hunger for your bread.
I don't want to be free of my thirst for your word.
I don't want to be free of my desire for your will.
I don't want to be free of my longing for your presence.
I don't want to be free of my need to be taken up, taken over, joined to you.
Lord, may I never be free from wanting you.
