Feb 07 – Personal Prayer of Lord Jesus!

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word.” (John 17:20)

When we carefully observe the personal prayers of Jesus Christ throughout the New Testament, the longest recorded personal prayer is found in John chapter 17. Reading that prayer, refreshes and strengthens our hearts. It also serves as a guiding model, teaching us how we ourselves ought to pray.

Personal prayer draws us into intimate fellowship with God. Prayer is the pouring out of our hearts before Him. Prayer is laying our anxieties and worries at His feet.

Scripture says, “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” (Psalm 62:8). “I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare before Him my trouble.” (Psalm 142:2). “Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

If we look closely at Jesus’ personal prayer, we realize that He prayed not only for the disciples who lived during His earthly ministry, but also for us who are living today.

Read again the verse quoted above. When Jesus said, “Father, I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word,” does it not include you and me?

The Jesus who prayed for us then is still praying for us even today. Scripture says, “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26)

The apostle Paul understood this intercession of Christ and declared: “It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” (Romans 8:34)

Therefore, never again feel distressed thinking, “There is no one to pray for me.” Do not worry asking, “Who will carry my burden? Who will wipe away my tears? Who will remove my anxieties?”

Children of God, even today Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of God, continually interceding for us with groanings too deep for words.

Verse for further meditation: “And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.’” (Luke 22:31–32)