John 17 "Beyond the Obvious" - Praying "so-that" Prayers

Today's Teaching at Sons of Thunder. These are my notes. I have cleaned them up a bit, but only a bit. Enjoy: Beyond the Obvious Praying “so-that” prayers I often state that, “Studying Scripture and prayer must go hand in hand, for that is how you get to know God and then know how to pray and what to pray.” My desire for you today is simple, that you would connect the study of the Word of God with prayer There are lots of admonitions to us in Scripture of the “so-that” kind • James 5:16 -  "Confess your sins to one another “so-that” you may be healed." 1 Peter 2:2  - "like newborn babes desire pure milk “so-that” you may grow." • 2 Peter 3:17 - "Be on your guard “so-that” you are not led astray." • 1 John 2:1 - "my children I write these things “so-that” you may not sin." Jesus used the “so-that” concept in the way He prayed: • John 17:1 - "Glorify Your Son “so-that” the Son may glorify You." • John 17:2  - "You gave Him authority over all flesh “so-that” He may give eternal life." • John 17:11  - "protect them by Your name “so-that” they may be one as We are one." • John 17:13  - "I speak these things “so-that” My joy may be complete in them." • John 17:19  - "I sanctify Myself “so-that” they may be sanctified." • John 17:21  - "May they be one “so-that” the world may believe You sent me." • John 17:26  - "I have made Your name know to them “so-that” the love You have loved Me with would be in them." Why could Jesus pray beyond the obvious? Because of the time He spent with the Father. He knew God’s will for His life, for His disciple’s lives and for the lives of those who would follow. Now there are plenty of prayers of the obvious, please recognize that: • Luke 18:13  - "Tax gatherer praying, Father forgive me." • 2 Cor. 12:8  - "Paul asking the affliction to leave." • 1 Tim. 1:17  - "Paul, praying a prayer of praise, "Now unto the King Eternal, Immortal..." • 1 Peter 5:11  - "Peter praising and worshiping with, "To Him be dominion..." • 2 Peter 3:18 - "Peter, again praising, "To Him be glory..." • Jude 2 - "Jude, offering blessings for the letter’s recipients (mercy, peace and love)." • Jude 24-25 - A great prayer of praise much like Paul’s. • John 17:5  - Jesus stating, "Glorify Me in Your presence." • John 17:15 - Jesus praying for protection them from the evil one • John 17:24  - Jesus asking, "that they be with Me". My desire is to encourage you to know scripture so well that you do not always have to pray the obvious, although it is okay to, you don't always have to. If you have been memorizing Scripture with us you know, and have probably been praying “so-that” prayers: • Ephesians 1:18-19 - "Praying that the eyes of your heart enlightened “so-that” you may know 1)hope of His calling; 2) glorious riches of His inheritance; 3) immeasurable greatness of His power." • Ephesians 3:17-19 - "Praying to know the Father’s and the Messiah’s love / you may be filled with the fullness of God." • Colossians 1:9-10 - "Praying to have the knowledge of His will “so-that” you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God." • 2 Thessalonians 1:12 - "that God will count you worthy “so-that” the name of the Lord would be glorified in you and you in Him." And then two of my favorite “so-that” passages: • Phil. 4:6-7 - "Come to God with prayers, petitions, with thanksgiving "so-that" the peace of God would guard hearts and minds." • Rom. 15:13 - "Now may the God of Hope, fill you with all joy and peace in believing "so-that" you may overflow with hope..." Bottom line: Prayer must go hand in hand with knowing God