Jesus would often ask God to help him and the other people in the world. He would pray for God to be glorified through Him and he prayed for other believers.
“My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!” –Psalm 121:2
John 17:4, John 17:6-24
Jesus
During Jesus’ time on earth, he showed us how to live a life of love, selflessness, and compassion. Jesus is perfect, righteous, and incorruptible—his love for us is beyond our comprehension. When Jesus would pray, he would often not just pray for himself, but for others as well. Even the prayers for himself would be completely God-centered—asking for God’s will be fulfilled.
After Jesus told the disciples that he has overcome the world, he looked up to the sky and prayed. He asked God to glorify himself so he could glorify God. Jesus said “And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with glory I had with you before the world began.” Jesus continued to pray—but this time, prayed for his disciples and all of the other believers in the world. Jesus said “I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.” Jesus also prayed for their protection and joy. He asked God that all the believers would be one, just like Jesus is with the father. He wanted to remain in their hearts so the world would know God had sent him.
Jesus would pray to God, not only asking for his own desires, but for God’s and other peoples as well. Jesus’ always wanted to show God’s love to others. He wanted all the glory he received to be directed and given credit to God. Jesus also showed us the power of praying for other people. We can pray for any person in the world, whether it’s a distant family member, close friend, or an unbeliever from a different country. God listens to all of our prayers because we are His children—he listens to all of our hurts, desires, and cries for help.
I can pray for myself and others.
Questions to think about:
1. Jesus showed us how we can pray for ourselves. Is there anything I need to ask God for
help with right now?
2. How can God be glorified through me?
3. Is there anybody in my life that I need to pray for right now?