This week we will explore the third movement of prayer: praying outward. We will investigate what it means to connect with others and God in prayer. We will develop what it means to pray “out” in terms of praying for others on our own, praying for others in person, and praying with others for others.
(John 17:1-15)
Sermon Outline
“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” (John 17:15)
Intercessory Prayer
- “The Honor of going before the Most High on behalf of others.” –Foster
- We join Jesus in this ministry (Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:34)
Three Cautions
- We do not pray to be seen by others (Matt. 6:5-6)
- Our battle is not against people (Ephesians 6:10-12)
- We must earnestly seek to persevere in prayer (Ephesians 6: 13, 14a, 18; Luke 22:45-26)
Jesus’ Unburdening before the Father (John 17:1-15)
- Praying so that Jesus is Glorified (John 17:1)
- Praying in the power of the Blood and the Cross of Christ (John 17:1, 4-5)
- Praying from a place of deeply knowing the Father (John 17:3)
- Praying from an immersion in the Word of God (John 17:6-8)
- Praying to be kept in the Father’s name and guarded (John 17:11-12)
- Praying for protection from the Evil One (John 17:15)
Discussion Questions
- Have you experienced worries and burdens recently? If so, would you feel comfortable sharing a few? How do you usually handle your burdens?
- This week we continue our series “Sacred Invitation: A Life of Prayer” by looking at Jesus unburdening himself before His Father in John 17:1-18. Whether you are on your own or with others, begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you as you study His word.
- Let’s open to John 17:1-18 and read it together out loud.
- How does the timing of the prayer—right before Jesus heads to the Cross—add to its weight or meaning?
- What words or phrases stand out to you in this passage?
- Do you see any repeating words? What are their significance in this passage?
- What seems to be Jesus’ ultimate desire in John 17:1-5? How can you follow Jesus’ example?
- Do you usually pray first for Jesus to be glorified in any of your burdens?
- What is Jesus’ place, power, and authority in John 17:1-5? How does this affect your worries and burdens you are carrying?
- What kind of relationship does Jesus model with the Father? How can you learn from this example?
- In John 17:6-8, what stands out to you about the disciples in relationship to Jesus’ words? What does this make you think about for your own life?
- The disciples kept Jesus’ words, but Jesus keeps them in what two ways? (John 17:11-15). How can you join in with Jesus’ keeping?
- Why does Jesus pray for the disciples to be protected from the evil one?
- How can you learn from Jesus’ prayer in John 17:1-18? What is one thing you can grow in this week from this study? Write it down or share it with someone for accountability.
DIG DEEPER
Choose to pray each day for your family, your church, your neighborhood, your city in these ways:
- Praying so that Jesus is Glorified
- Praying in the power of the Blood and the Cross of Christ
- Praying from a place of deeply knowing the Father
- Praying from an immersion in the Word of God
- Praying for protection from the Evil One