The Real Lord's Prayer

So often we call the prayer by Jesus found in Matthew 6 and Luke 11 as "The Lord's Prayer." There he was teaching his disciples and us how we are to pray. In those verses Jesus provided us a model or example as to how to pray.

As I was reading Jesus' prayer in John 17, the thought occurred to me that this is the the real Lord's prayer. He is not giving us just a model of prayer in this passage. He is literally and passionately praying for his disciples and for all in the future who would come to the faith. His prayer was for the present and future followers of Jesus Christ.

Regarding this passage in John 17, The Serendipity Bible for Groups asks the questions, "How are your prayers for others like and unlike Jesus' prayer? Do your prayers reflect the short-term urgent, or the long-term important needs that people have?" Those are good questions for each of us to reflect on. I want my prayers to have lasting impact into the future.

Looking at Jesus' prayer in John 17, I notice the following concerns and cares that he prays:

1. Jesus prays that I would have an intimate relationship with him (vv. 2-3) and his Word (v. 17).

2. Jesus prays that I would not fall away because of the world in which I live, or because of Satan's temptations, or false teachings (vv. 6,11,14-17).

3. Jesus prays that my joy would be full (complete) in him (v. 13).

4. Jesus prays that I would have holy thoughts; to be holy in character and deed (v. 17). "Sanctify" means to make holy, to be separate or set apart. God's Word is "truth." The apostle Paul instructs us how to have holy thoughts in Philippians 4:8.

5. Jesus prays that I would be one in purpose and fellowship with fellow believers even as he demonstrated his unity with the Father (vv. 11, 21-22). This requires constant action or vigilance on my part. It is not to be an artificial unity, but authentic.

6. Jesus prays that I would lead others to Christ through my authentic relationship with him and with my fellow believers (vv. 21,23).

7. Jesus prays that my faith would persevere and that I would finish strong (v. 24).

8. Lastly, Jesus prays that I would constantly live in his presence and God's love (v. 26).

Wow! Surely such passionate praying on my part, following Jesus' prayer in this passage, will have lasting and impacting long term affects. We see in Jesus' prayer, the heart of a Shepherd, who truly cares for his flock. What do our prayers reveal about us?

8 Distrinctive Traits of New Englanders

Stephen Macchia in his book, Becoming A Healthy Church: 10 Characteristics, identifies eight distinctive traits of New Englanders. They are:

1. New Englanders tend to resist change.
2. New Englanders tend to value tradition.
3. New Englanders tend to be Roman Catholic.
4. New Englanders tend to have a secular mind-set.
5. New Englanders tend to be self-reliant.
6. New Englanders tend to be reserved.
7. New Englanders tend to favor insiders.
8. New Englanders tend to operate locally.

What think you? Are these really reflective of only New England? Or do they reflect 21st century culture in general? Do these affect how you do ministry? If so, how? If not, why not?