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. — John 17:1

What we are about to read together is the greatest prayer ever prayed. Herein, we will find all kinds of essential things for us know. But we should notice undeniable details about what Jesus is doing.

Detail One: Jesus prayed out loud. And we know he did because John wrote it down. There is no better way to pray than to verbalize our prayers out loud. I know many believers think their prayers, which is fine. But speaking requires us to pay attention in our conversation with God, speaking in complete sentences, and it slows our minds.

Detail Two: Praying out loud is discipleship. When I pray with my wife, child, or friend, I am demonstrating how to pray by my praying. It is both a discipline and an act of discipleship. And this is what the disciples will learn from Jesus: how to pray by his praying, and all the things he cares about — which is them.

Detail Three: Jesus prayed with his head lifted and his eyes open. He didn't close his eyes and bow his head. He did precisely the opposite. He opened his eyes and lifted his head. He looked up to God and spoke unhindered directly to his father. And today, this is often how I pray. I look directly into the eyes of the person I am praying for and unashamedly ask the Father for what I need.

Try it today. Look someone in the eye, connect, and then pray with and for them out loud and pay attention to what God does.

ASK THIS:

1. Have you ever tried praying out loud? If not, what do you think might be different about your prayer experience if you were to verbalize your thoughts and connect with God through spoken words?
2. Reflect on a recent time when you prayed with or for someone. How did that experience feel, and did it create a sense of connection and discipleship in your relationship with them? Consider the impact of looking into someone's eyes as you pray and how it might enhance your communication with both them and God.

DO THIS: Pray out loud and pay attention.

PRAY THIS: God, as I lift my gaze heavenward, may my words echo in the air as a heartfelt conversation with You. Help me find the courage to connect, to speak openly, and to seek Your guidance, just as Jesus did.

PLAY THIS: O Come To The Altar.