You want to pray. But how in the world do you start? The Bible is a terrific prayer handbook, if you know where to look. Jesus taught people a prayer that is sometimes called “The Lord’s Prayer” (Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4). But if you want to eavesdrop on one of Jesus’ prayers, dig into John 17. The whole chapter is a gold mine of material you can use to get started, especially when you’re praying for other people.
The more you read, the more you will realize that Jesus was actually praying for you. He prayed for protection and unity. He prayed that all believers would become like him because he was the example of God the Father. He prayed for the people who would get to know him down through the generations. Finally, he prayed and hoped deeply that every single person would see and recognize him for who he was and find freedom from sin. Jesus spent his time on earth spreading God’s fame, and then he went back to heaven and left the job for us to finish.
Now it’s your turn. Just start talking to God. He hears you. Ask him to protect and unify the people around you. Ask him to use every single person to do his work and help you love the people at school, work, home, and everywhere you go!
Excerpt from Revolve 2009 The Complete New Testament. Copyright © 2008 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
