“So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest but was appointed by the one who said to him, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you”;  as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.  Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered,  and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him,  having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 5:5-10)

 John 12:20-33

Today's reading informs us that Jesus offered prayers and petitions to God with fervent cries and tears throughout his life.

We also learn that Jesus' prayers were heard by God, not because he was God's Son, but because of his reverent submission and obedience to God. This realisation should be so encouraging to us as Christians today. Just as Jesus had a direct line to God, so do we also have direct access to God through the Spirit of the High Priest who lives within us, Jesus Christ. 

We have no greater honour and privilege as Christians than to pray. Even when the world is falling apart around us, and we don't know what to do, we can pray. Even when we do not have the words to say anything at all, the Spirit intercedes on our behalf.

Yet prayer is still one of the most neglected spiritual practices in the world today. Perhaps this is because we have a false idea that we have to say the perfect words or set aside the same amount of time every day to speak to God.

Prayer is an ongoing conversation. We can do it as often as possible whenever and wherever we like. We can use words that are familiar to us (even the not-so-holy ones). We can cry out to God with our fears, hopes and dreams, just as Jesus did.

If we live in reverent submission and obedience to God, we can hope that God will hear our prayers, just as he heard those offered by Jesus.

But let us remember that a conversation is a two-way street. For a conversation (and prayer) to be effective, we need to take time to listen to what God is saying to us in response to our words. This is usually done best in silence, but sometimes, we hear God's responses to us in Scripture, music, or conversations with others. 

What do you want to say to God today and will you give God the time and space to talk to you? 

Reflections by Rev Joe Taylor

Father God, 
thank you for the relationship that you offer us, and thank you for listening to our prayers. Help us to be more intentional in our prayer life. May we speak
to you often and find time to listen to your responses. 

Amen.

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