There are many ways to learn how and what to pray.  One of the best ways is simply to allow Jesus’ life to be a model and source of your prayer life.  One of the most dramatic seasons of our Lord’s prayer life was the week before His crucifixion and death for us.  There is so much we can learn from His wisdom, passion, relational focus and the content of His prayers.

In John 17 Jesus prays for His disciples.  Let’s take a moment to grow in how to pray for each other in these scriptures.  I want to point out a few key thoughts to give you a working illustration.

In 17:11 Jesus prays this for His disciples: “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name”. 

In 17:17 He prays, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”

Then in 17:20 to 23 He prays this: “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one…I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.”

As I have reviewed and studied His prayers for us, these have stood out to me often.  It has formed and influenced my prayers for you. Having learned from Jesus, I will often pray prayers for you that sound something like this.

“Dear Father, I bless my brothers and sisters, I ask that you would sanctify them in your truth. Cleanse them with your Word.  Wash them from the lies of this world.  Lord please unite them in Spirit, in your will and power.  Make us one.  Lord please protect them.  I thank you for the power and authority of your name and I ask that powerful name would break every curse and work of the enemy coming against them.  Oh Lord, sanctify, unite and protect these dear ones.”

We learn from Jesus and our prayers are formed, our faith is grown and the power of our prayers is increased and released.  Keep on praying!