The Posture of Prayer

Raising His eyes to heaven, He said, “Father, the hour has come.”—John 17:1 NASB

In His hour of crisis, Jesus turned to prayer. It was a personal, intimate prayer filled with emotion. In this sacred moment, He spoke with His Father. He talked about the day and hour, knowing that the time had come for the Father to be glorified. Jesus had accomplished the work for which He had been sent.

Knowing what was to come, He prayed for the disciples and for all who would believe because of their testimony. He prayed for their protection, sanctification in the truth, and unity.

Here, Jesus gave us a model prayer. And our prayer life changes when we follow His example. This is a prayer that begins with an intimate relationship with God when we know Him as our Father. This type of prayer happens when we don’t rush through our prayers but long to spend time with Him. It happens when we feel free to talk about any needs and problems we face, questions and difficult decisions, challenges, anything.

We must never take God for granted and always must approach Him with reverence and humility. Yet something wonderful happens when we have an intimate, personal relationship with Him.

Today, follow the example Jesus gave you. Approach God as your Father. Talk with Him openly and freely. Pour out your heart to Him. Listen to His voice. Fill your life with His Word, and seek to have an intimate relationship with Him.

Reflection Question: Compose a prayer asking God how you can know Him on a deeper level.