Eternal Life

As Jesus begins praying in John chapter 17 verse three, He makes a fascinating statement: “this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3). When we think of eternal life, we often think in the quantitative sense of an unending period of time. Jesus, however, uses it here in a qualitative sense of knowing God. This statement touches at the core of why we even pray in the first place—to genuinely know God in a personal way. This is the whole point of our Christian journey, not just to live forever at a future time, but to experience a closer relationship in the here and now. This week, ask God for this kind of eternal life. Now that’s something to pray about!

Introducing John 17

I consider John chapter 17 to be like the pinnacle of Mount Everest of Scripture. The truths contained in this passage tower like the majestic peaks of the earth. Why? Simply put, this chapter is the lengthiest recorded prayer of Christ. We have an astonishing 26 verses of God’s very prayer life written down for us to contemplate and pray in agreement with. Over the next few weeks, we’re going to touch ever so briefly on some of the key points of this high priestly prayer. Let me encourage you to take the next few weeks to prayerfully study this chapter as well. Few chapters in all the Bible give us more significant insight into what God wants to accomplish through prayer. Now that’s something to prayer about!

The Wise Prayer Of Agur

Have you ever read the wise prayer of Agur in Proverbs chapter 30? It’s one of those short prayers tucked away in an almost obscure part of Scripture, but certainly worth much consideration. Talking to two of his friends, Agur begins to pray and ask God for two main things: that falsehood and lies would be removed far from Him, and that he would be given neither poverty nor riches. This wise man’s prayer was essentially for a humble life of honesty and modesty so that he could honor God most fully. Let me pass along a challenge to you. As you spend time alone with God this week, consider Agur’s prayer, and then make it your own. Now that’s something to pray about!

Prayer And Calamity

You likely heard about the recent earthquake that devastated tens of thousands of Turkish and Syrian families. More than 50,000 are confirmed dead. When we’re confronted with such calamity and suffering, it can be difficult to process. My encouragement to you as a fellow brother or sister in Christ is to take a moment to lift up those who are mourning the loss of loved ones. Pray also for the many rescue and humanitarian workers providing critical support. Each time we pray, our heart softens toward the plight of those who are grieving. In response to those petitions, sometimes miracles arise from the rubble of tragedy. Always remember that a humble prayer can change a lot even in the darkest moments. Now that’s something to pray about!

The Love Of Christ

Paul prayed that the Christians in Ephesus would be able to comprehend the “width and length and depth and height“ of the love of Christ. I find that passage in Ephesians 3:18-19 to be an amazing description of how vast God’s love is. You know, having served in church leadership for many years, it’s not uncommon for me to talk to people who feel like God is mostly mad at them, or sadly disappointed in them for some reason. The truth is, though, that He could not be more in love with us. He went to the cross to prove it. Friend, just remember today that when you lift your voice in prayer, God smiles with loving delight. You are His beloved child. Now that’s something to pray about!