Lifted His Voice
To reflect God’s heart to the world around us, we need to know God’s heart and, we believe, God’s heart is most clearly represented in Jesus. In the weeks leading up to Easter, we invite you to explore the life of Jesus by reading the Gospel of John with us. As we delve into the richness of scripture, we’ll utilize the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, which invites us to slow down and posture our hearts to hear from God. With that said, let’s begin with a prayer.
Open your time by reciting these words:
Lord, as I approach scripture, prepare my heart to encounter You in its pages. Quiet the distractions that pull me away and open my eyes to see Your truth. May I encounter these words humbly, with an open mind and a receptive spirit. May my time in Scripture be a sacred encounter that deepens my relationship with You and transforms me into the image of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lectio (Reading)
Take a moment to read John 17:1-19 slowly and attentively. As you read, pay attention to any words or phrases that stand out to you. Allow the text to wash over you, inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart.
After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour 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 know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:1-3
Meditatio (Meditation)
In the closing hours before his betrayal and crucifixion, Jesus lifted his voice in prayer. His words, captured in John 17:1-19, reveal the depth of his heart and the intimacy of his relationship with the Father. Jesus begins His prayer by acknowledging the hour has come. It's a pivotal moment, a turning point in history. His purpose is clear and unwavering - the path before him is one of suffering and sacrifice. The weight of the cross looms large, but Jesus remains resolute. As his prayers continue, Jesus turns his attention to those entrusted to His care – His disciples, and by extension, all who would believe in Him. He acknowledges the challenges they will face as they continue his work in the world. Yet, he does not leave them alone. Jesus petitions the Father to protect them and to sanctify them in the truth. His concern is not just for their physical safety but for their spiritual well-being.
Central to Jesus' prayer is the theme of glorification. He acknowledges the Father's authority over all things and submits Himself willingly to the path laid out before Him. Jesus' glory is not found in earthly accolades or achievements but in His obedient surrender to the Father's will. In this act of self-emptying, He embodies true greatness. Jesus prays for the completion of the work the Father had given Him. His earthly ministry was drawing to a close, but the mission was far from over. He entrusted His disciples with the task of continuing His work, spreading the message of love and redemption to the ends of the earth. Jesus' prayer echoes down through the ages, reminding us of our calling to join in His mission.
Take a moment to consider what you just read. Consider the context in which Jesus prayed these words. Imagine yourself as one of the disciples listening to Jesus pray for you. What thoughts and emotions arise within you as you ponder Jesus' words? Take note of any insights or questions that come to mind.
Contemplatio (Contemplation)
As Jesus looks ahead, he doesn't pray for the disciples to be taken out of the world. Instead, he prays for them to be protected from the evil one while remaining in the world. It's a paradoxical request—to be in the world but not of it. It speaks to the tension we all face as followers of Christ—how to navigate the complexities of life without losing sight of our true home. Jesus understands the challenges his disciples will encounter—the temptations, the trials, the pressures to conform to the patterns of this world. He knows that staying true to their calling will require resilience, courage, and unwavering faith. He prays for their sanctification—for them to be set apart for God's purposes. It's a process of transformation—a journey of becoming more like Christ in thought, word, and deed. It's about aligning their hearts with God's will and surrendering their lives to his guiding hand.
Take a moment to sit in the tension between being in the world but not of it. Reflect on your own experiences of navigating the complexities of life as a follower of Christ. Consider the temptations, trials, and pressures you've faced, and how you've sought to remain faithful to your calling.
Actio (Action)
But Jesus doesn't stop there. He extends his prayer to future believers—those who will come to faith through the testimony of the disciples. It's a reminder that his mission doesn't end with his departure. It's a mission that continues through the lives of those who follow in his footsteps, sharing the good news of salvation with a broken and hurting world. As we reflect on Jesus' prayer, we're invited to examine our own lives. Are we rooted in God's love, finding our identity and purpose in him alone? Are we navigating the complexities of life with grace and integrity, remaining true to our calling as followers of Christ? Are we being transformed by the renewing of our minds, allowing God to shape us into vessels of his grace and mercy? May we take comfort in Jesus' words—a reminder that we are not alone in this journey. May we find strength in his promise of protection and sanctification. May we live each day with a deep sense of purpose, knowing that we are called to be in the world but not of it, shining the light of God's love in the darkest corners of human experience.
Take a moment to reflect on the unique gifts, talents, and opportunities God has entrusted to you for the purpose of sharing His love and truth with others. Consider how you can steward these resources faithfully and intentionally to fulfill your calling as a disciple of Christ.
Oratio (Prayer)
Close your time by reciting this prayer or lifting up your own:
Heavenly Father, I come before you with a heart open to Your guiding presence. Grant me the wisdom and courage to live each day with purpose, aligning my actions with Your will and seeking to glorify You in all that I do. Help me to walk with integrity, grounded in Your truth, that my life may be a reflection of Your grace and love to the world. Amen.