John 17:1

These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:

Many times golf instructors spend so much time working on the games of others that when they finally get a chance to play for themselves, it isn’t a pretty site. It is an admirable thing to always think of others, but we as Christians must take care of ourselves before we can worry about others. If our spiritual condition or even physical shape is not strong, we will not have the necessary strength to help others. Jesus delivered the final sermon to His disciples fully knowing their soon desertion. He informed them of the united strength they would need for the upcoming opposition after He departs. They would not be alone – the Holy Spirit would be God’s ongoing presence to guide them. Jesus felt it necessary to first pray for himself. His desire and prayer was for the Father to glorify Him so that He may glorify the Father. It may seem selfish to some to deem praying for ourselves as important. However, if we as believers are to have a powerful impact on the world, we ourselves must first be strengthened and energized in order to execute our mission. Many times others make their petitions known to us and ask us to pray for them or a family member. If our own line of communication with the Father is distorted or weak, our prayer for others cannot be as effective as possible. My desire is to keep an open line of communication with the Heavenly Father. He desires to have frequent and constant dialogue with His children. This relationship is no different from any of our earthly relationships in that it must be cultivated and practiced. We should have a constant desire and prayer for an increase of physical and spiritual strength so that it may be used to glorify our Heavenly Father!