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Where The Glory Belongs


 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the time 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 may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.” (John 17:1)


         Now we begin what some have claimed is the real “Lord’s Prayer.” It is also called His “High Priestly Prayer.” It’s not quite as simple as the one Jesus taught His disciples to pray. Perhaps that one should have been called “The Beginners’ Prayer.” That doesn’t diminish its power or authority. It’s a good prayer and most of us may not be ready for something more, but something more is what Jesus shows us here.
         At the same time, the elements of that earlier prayer are here, just not as simply stated. This passage is filled with “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” It is all about the relationship between the Father and the Son.
         There are times when I wish I could honestly pray something like this. There are more times that I know I wouldn’t be being honest if I did. This is what “Thy kingdom come” is about: God’s glory. I might be comfortable with asking God to glorify me, or give me power, but I don’t think I’m so good at bringing Him glory. This is what we were created for, but our egos are so domineering. I’m reminded of the king who was told that he was dying. He asked for more time, and was given fifteen years, but the only accomplishments listed for him during those fifteen years were mistakes and failures. We cannot help but ask for what we think is best. God sometimes gives it, but that doesn’t mean it turns out the way we thought.
         This is why I’ve come to love my standard prayer request: Wisdom, Direction, Attitude, and two others that come to mind: “I bow the knee” and “God is good” or “God, You are good.” They skirt my ego, or force it to its knees, and then the glory can go where it belongs.

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