Basic Ecclesial

Community
Praying like the Master
Introduction
Jesus prayer in John 17 is noted as His
longest recorded prayer. The time was just before
His arrest and execution. Jesus summed up His
feelings and His plans for the close circle of friends
gathered around him. He prayed too for those
who would follow them. Today let us reflect on
the first part of this prayer so that we can learn to
pray like our Master.
Opening Prayer
John 17:1-5
1After 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.
Silent Meditation
on the text
Looking into the Text
a. What was Jesus body posture when he made
his prayer?

b. To whom did Jesus address this prayer?

c. What was Jesus ultimate purpose in asking

that He be glorified?

d. What did Jesus report to his Father in verse 4?

Let us Reflect
a) How important is posture when we pray?
Give examples of how posture reflects your
attitude in prayer.
b) To whom should we address our prayers?
c) What usually are our main concerns when we
pray?
d) Every night when we pray, what do we report to
our Heavenly Father?
e) In verses 1-5 Jesus was supposedly praying for
Himself, yet we see so little of self in His
prayer, but more of the Father, His ultimate plan
for man, His work. How do you pray?
Activity
Spend some moments for silent prayer.

Remember to pray like the Master!

Conclusion
When we pray, let us learn to pray like our
Master by having right posture, right person to
pray to, right concern, right understanding of our
mission, right report. Then we can truly please our
Heavenly Father.
Closing Prayer
Pray reflectively and meditatively the
Lords prayer.