“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17 : 1 - 3

This week’s reading : John 17 : 1 - 11

THE LORD’S GREAT PRAYER OF INTERCESSION

In John Chapter 17 we have the record of what really is the Lord’s Prayer, the prayer recorded in Matthew 6:13, the prayer given by our Lord as an outline of prayer of His followers.

When we read this prayer we are on very holy ground. (Exodus 3:2-5). This prayer reminds us that our Lord lives to

make intercession for His people. The thorough study of the New Testament reveals to us that His prayers were and are always answered.

This then is our Lord’s Prayer for His disciples throughout all time. What does He pray for His own? How does He pray for them? The prayer can be divided

into three parts: (1) in verse 1-5 the Lord Jesus for himself, Notice in verse 5 the word 5 “Me; (2) in Verses 6-9 for His followers. Notice in the verses He speaks for “himself”. See verse 9 the words “for Them” (3). in verses 20-26 the Lord Jesus prays for all Who would afterwards believe in Him : notice verse 20 the words “for them also”.

In this, Jesus’ final prayer, the whole of his ministry and purpose is explained and summarized to the reader. In this prayer Jesus is saying, my mission on earth is complete. I am going back to my Father. Now it’s your turn. With the help of the anticipated Holy Spirit, your mission will be to bring glory to the

Father and the Son through all that you do in my name.

Our task as Christians in 2023 is to do exactly the same. Are we ready? Do we accept the mission God has given us to do? Amen Fiaz

Collect for this week

O God the King of glory,

you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ

with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven:

we beseech you, leave us not comfortless,

but send your Holy Spirit to strengthen us

and exalt us to the place where our Saviour Christ is gone before,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen

Things to pray for

For all those taking exams at this time

For our APCM meeting this week, for the Lord’s vision and strength

For the work of Christian Aid