John 17:13 “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.”

This morning I think is the first time it has really dawned on me that Jesus is here doing something that I sometimes do myself, yet I have taught that you should not do, and that is pray for the benefit of those around you. You could call it “teaching prayer.” The fact that Jesus did it makes it clear that it is real prayer, but at the same time it is teaching for those who are physically hearing it being prayed. Jesus made it very clear that we aren’t to pray in front of people for the sake of seeming pious, but rather be focused on the One to whom we are praying, (Matthew 6:5-6) but here He states that the reason he is praying this out loud on earth is so that His disciples may hear and be blessed. A careful reading of the whole prayer, which is to say all of chapter 17, shows that it is clearly a genuine prayer, but that Jesus was consciously teaching His disciples at the same time. Most of us have experienced being “preached at” in someone’s prayer, and that isn’t much fun. However, this passage makes it clear that sometimes the Holy Spirit will indeed have us pray for the benefit of those who are physically present.

This is something I have been aware that I do at times, but I have always felt somewhat guilty about it. This tells me I’m to stop feeling guilty! However, I must be very careful that every prayer is genuine as prayer, and is not just a lecture disguised as prayer. My goal is that every prayer would be guided by the Holy Spirit, (Romans 8:26, Ephesians 6:18, Jude 20) and not be anxious about anything else.

Father, thank You for this Word. It is another release from bondage, though perhaps a minor one. Thank You for the liberty and joy of fellowship with You by Your Spirit. Help me continue to grow in that, and draw and encourage many others into it as well, so that we may be Your children indeed, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!