Most people think of “The Lord’s Prayer” as the “Our Father” prayer Jesus taught His disciples. While this prayer was most likely the kind of prayer Jesus regularly prayed, it really is a pattern of prayer Jesus taught us to use in talking to God — a way for us to pray. It could best be described as “The Disciples’ Prayer.”
There is another prayer in Scripture that truly is “the Lord’s prayer.” It was a prayer Jesus prayed the night before His crucifixion. It is recorded in John 17.
Before He sacrified His life on the Cross for our sins, Jesus prayed for those who committed their lives to Him. Jesus specifically asked the Heavenly Father to do certain things for His followers.
The first thing Jesus prayed was for our protection:
“Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name … ” — John 17:11 (NLT)
The word Jesus used for “protect” means “to guard, hold, keep watch over, to keep in custody and preserve.” It is a word we would use to describe the care we give to valuables. The things we value we protect — we put in safekeeping.
As Jesus was getting ready to die for the sins of the world and soon return to heaven, He knew that we, His disciples, would face dangers, threats and temptations in our life journey. Understanding this, Jesus turned our safekeeping over to His Father! He prayed that we would be protected “by the power of His name.”
The wise writer of Proverbs reminds us of the protection of the Lord’s great name:
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” — Proverbs 18:10 (NIV)
When threats and dangers come your way, remember that Jesus has prayed for your protection. Know that God, your Heavenly Father, is able to keep you safe. And run to His name by calling on His name. You will find that He will be your strong tower in trouble.
Dale O'Shields
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