It seems like over the course of the last 60 days there has been an increase in “Prayer teachings” from different perspectives.  When times get tough we typically look for help and in this case Prayer seems to be that avenue to get help.  Prayers in the Bible don’t really get your attention until you start focusing on them and then you realize just how many of them that there are. 

Our Lord Jesus even prayed.   He taught on how to pray and how not to pray in Matt 6:5-8.  In verses 9-14 He gave us the model prayer or the Lord’s Prayer as an example.  Throughout the four gospels He would slip away to be alone and pray.  He even gave us examples of who to pray for.  Let’s look at John 17 where Jesus prayed for himself.

John 17: 1-5 NIV    17 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. ⁵ And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

This is just hours before he is crucified.  He starts out with “Father” and He wants to glorify our Heavenly Father.  Jesus acknowledges that He has been given authority over all people and He is the one who gives eternal life.  I like verse 3 which tells us what eternal life is.  Eternal life starts here today when we accept Jesus as our Savior. Eternal life is “to know” our heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus.  To “know” him is to have that close intimate relationship with Him.   As our relationship with our Father matures we will find ourselves bringing glory to God our Father and Jesus our Lord and Savior. 

In the trying times we live in today; I am glad I have God as my Heavenly Father and I can go to Him any time for any reason and I know He is there and that He is faithful to His word. 

Enjoy this Eternal Life as we learn to know our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus more and more.

Chet Wiswell, Elder.