About This Sermon
Steven Morris teaches from John 17, where Jesus prays for others in the shadow of the cross. Rather than turning inward, Jesus intercedes for His disciples and for future believers, asking the Father to keep them faithful, fill them with His joy, protect them from the evil one, sanctify them through God's Word, and make them one.
The message shows us how to pray for the people in our lives. Steven encourages us to move beyond physical requests and bring these deeper spiritual needs before God. We can pray proactively for faithfulness, pray that others find lasting joy in Christ rather than in circumstances, pray for spiritual protection from temptation and the enemy, pray for sanctification so people are set apart and used by God, and pray for unity among believers.
Scripture: John 17; Luke 2:52
Study Guide
A few ideas to carry with you, discuss with your group, or revisit during the week.
Practical Takeaways (5)
- Jesus prayed for others even as He faced the cross.
- We should pray for the faithfulness of others before they struggle, not only when they do.
- Joy in Christ is steady; happiness rises and falls with circumstances.
- Believers are different from the world and need spiritual protection from the evil one.
- Sanctification happens through the truth of God's Word and sets people apart for God's purposes.
Discussion Questions (5)
- What stands out to you about what Jesus chose to pray for in John 17?
- Who in your life do you need to begin praying for more regularly?
- What is the difference between praying for someone's happiness and praying for their joy in Christ?
- How does being 'not of the world' affect the way you live and relate to others?
- What would it look like to pray for the spiritual protection or sanctification of someone you care about this week?
From the Series
Pray Like Jesus - NK
Prayer was never an afterthought in the life of Jesus. It was the foundation of everything He did. Before the crowds, before the miracles, before the cross, Jesus continually met… Read morePrayer was never an afterthought in the life of Jesus. It was the foundation of everything He did. Before the crowds, before the miracles, before the cross, Jesus continually met with His Father. In Pray Like Jesus, we’ll journey through the Gospels to discover how Jesus prayed in every season of life. We’ll see His pattern of daily dependence, His prayers for others, His surrender in suffering, and His unwavering trust in the Father. More than learning about prayer, we’ll be invited to experience the same relationship with God that shaped every moment of Jesus’ life. Whether your prayer life feels vibrant or you’ve struggled to know where to begin, this series will help you grow in confidence, intimacy, and dependence on God as you learn to pray like Jesus. Show less
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