Jesus Prays for Himself

     We all need to pray for ourselves, even Jesus prayed for himself. It seems a bit selfish at times, but prayer is our lifeline to God. If we don't pray, how do we pour out our hearts to the One who created us? He's the only One that understands our woes. 

    First, Jesus reassured the disciples that even during their inevitable persecution they can have peace in Him, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33 NIV). 

    Then, here's how Jesus prayed for Himself in John 17:1-5 (NIV):

"Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."

    Jesus spoke of completing the work that God gave Him to do and remembers the relationship He had with his Father before the world was even created. Now that's a prayer! Let us be ones that can pray to God and express our completion of the work He has given us and our gratitude that He chose us before the earth was even formed. That is a great example of a relational prayer to our Father in Heaven. 

    Ephesians 1:4-6 (NIV) For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will--to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.