Therefore, Part 4: Therefore, We Pray

Grant Fishbook, Lead Teaching Pastor

Jesus prayed. Therefore, we pray!

Pray without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:17

My personal definition of prayer:

I believe that prayer is a deep, personal, continual, Spirit-led opportunity to and to God.

In John 17:

Jesus prays for

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:
       “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. ² For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. ³ Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. ⁴ I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” John 17:1-4

Jesus prays for

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
     ¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13–16

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. ¹⁶ They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. ¹⁷ Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. ¹⁸ As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” John 17:15-18

Jesus prays for

Jesus, the King of kings, is !

²¹ …that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ²² I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— ²³ I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:21-23

3 Practical ways we can champion what Jesus is praying for:

1. Identify the real
2. Celebrate the wins of
3. Pray for the

Small Group Questions

1. What is your favorite location for a conversation with a friend?
2. We usually save this till the end, but, in light of the topic, how can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?
3. What is your personal definition of prayer? What’s the greatest obstacle to a consistent prayer life for you?
4. What changes in your heart to know that Jesus is praying for you right now?
5. How can you add prayer to your daily life in a way that allows you to accomplish the mission of Jesus?
6. How could you be the answer to Jesus’ high priestly prayer in John 17? Read it out loud before you answer!