Jesus Prays for Himself
Jesus
On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed what is often called His High Priestly Prayer. He began by praying for Himself — not for comfort or escape, but for the Father to glorify Him so that He might glorify the Father. He looked beyond the cross to the joy of completing the work He was given to do.
[1] When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, [2] since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. [3] And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. [4] I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. [5] And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. (ESV)
- •Even in His darkest hour, Jesus prayed for God's glory, not His own comfort. He defined eternal life as knowing the Father and the Son. He spoke with the confidence of one who had completed His mission. His self-focus was not selfish — it was about fulfilling His God-given purpose.
It is not wrong to pray for yourself — but the goal of our prayers should be God's glory, not just our comfort. True prayer aligns our desires with His purpose. Eternal life is not just about the future; it's about knowing God now.
Jesus prayed for Himself, but always in the context of the Father's glory. His self-petitions were about fulfilling His purpose, not escaping His pain. He prayed with an eternal perspective.
Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your name through my life. Help me to fulfill the work You've given me to do. Let my prayers and my actions bring You glory. And let me know You more — for this is eternal life.
Continue talking to God in your own words.
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