Before major turning points, trials and temptations in Christ’s life, we often see him retreat to secret, solitary prayer places. Jesus’ habit of praying is frequently mentioned in all the gospels (Mt. 14:23; 26:36; Mk 1:35; Lk 5:15-16; 6:12; 9:28-29; Jn 17). He prayed greatly, lived greatly and died greatly.

Even as a twelve year old, Jesus was politically incorrect (Lk 2:49) for he insisted on calling God his dear heavenly Parent. The popular and theologically correct way to pray was to call God more distant names. Jesus has given us a beautiful prayer heritage to reclaim.

God is our dearest, most trusted, cherished, precious heavenly Parent. Christ is recorded using this endearing Parental name for God more than 240 times. Our dear heavenly Parent will never leave or forsake us, even in the Gethsemane’s in our lives. Consider this spiritual orientation for inner healing and empowerment. God is loving and a trusted, tender heavenly Parent. The heartbeat of prayer is of loving relationship.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is in every breath and nuance of this magnificent prayer. The entire chapter is a prayer before he is betrayed. Christ is soon to be arrested, humiliated, tortured and crucified. For context and a beautiful Lenten experience, read the tender Upper Room discourse in chapters 13-16. Christ is engaged in loving, spiritual conversations with his deeply loved disciples. He is preparing them for what is ahead.

First, Jesus prays for himself and clearly defines the Gospel in the first five verses. "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent... "(17:3). Then in tender compassion, he prays for God’s protection for his faithful, very human and well-intentioned disciples (17:6-19).

I find it profound that Christ prays "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world, but that you protect them from the evil one... Sanctify them by the truth, your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified." (17:15-19)

Finally, Jesus prays for all believers in future generations to come because of their witness (17:20-25). And we are given insight into the heartbeat of Christ for his church of fallible human beings. He prays for our unity, loving corporate solidarity, consecration and mission so others might believe in Christ. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and heterosexual seekers need this Christ centered unity! We are the Christian church together. No longer should foolish arguments about the origins of human sexuality divide us! All are part of the Body of Christ.

This is a missionary prayer, by our missionary Savior, for local and global outreach with the Gospel message of eternal life.

What does this mean for us? Consecrate ourselves. Know that Christ is praying for us. Searching people are seeking the Savior. Will we pray for them with Christ’s heartbeat?

"History belongs to the intercessors."

The author of this material is "Surprised by Joy" (surprisedbyjoy@yahoo.com). "Surprised by Joy" is an ordained UFMCC Christian minister who discovered that God is wonder-full to be with. It is our hope and prayer at soulfoodministry.org that all visitors will experience the tenderloving- kindness of God and receive spiritual food for their journey.