Description: Prayer is an often practiced, more often neglected, and less often understood practice of Christendom. Counselors prescribe prayer as a means to reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Some approach prayer as Eastern meditation, some as an expression of tongues, and other traditions offer chants in a strict liturgical form. John 17 offers the reader an unusual opportunity to listen to a prayer. Some might say the prayer in John 17 is the prayer of all prayers, the true definition of the Lord's prayer. Drawing on classic commentators, Michael Cannon casts John 17 in a pastoral light showing the grace, wisdom, and love of Christ for his people as he pours his heart out before his heavenly Father on their behalf. While these were messages originally preached in the context of worship, they also serve as a detailed commentary on one of the most beloved passages of Scripture. Endorsements: ""Pastor Michael Cannon's new book on John 17 is a welcomed contribution that will be a blessing to both preacher and serious Bible student. In this most intimate prayer of prayers, the high priestly prayer of Jesus, we need a true shepherd to help us draw near to the Savior to listen carefully. Michael Cannon is that shepherd as you will find when you read this book."" --Michael A. Milton Reformed Theological Seminary ""A fresh study of our Lord's High Priestly Prayer is always welcome, and Michael Cannon's labors in the Word do not disappoint! With his feet firmly planted with greats such as Augustine, Manton, and Carson, Cannon listens and applies Jesus' words to our modern predicament. Sovereignty, sin, and salvation are graciously presented with personal illustration and application. This work will encourage believers of all ages to greater Christ-likeness, so take up and read!"" --W. Duncan Rankin The International Council on Biblical Inerrancy ""Michael Cannon has given us new insights into the conversation between Jesus and his Father as described in John 17. Leading us into this very personal encounter, we get a glimpse of the power of prayer as he describes for us the process of moving through various emotions to the affirmation of faith, and then applies these principles for the reader."" --Hughes Oliphant Old Erskine Theological Seminary ""If one wishes to dig deeply into the subject of prayer as modeled by Jesus, this treatment of John 17 by Michael Cannon will be an enormous help. Cannon explores Jesus' prayer both exegetically and theologically with assistance from some noted Reformed scholars of the past. The result is strong Scripture-based teaching on the purpose, motivation, and meaning of prayer. This volume is especially strong in the integration of theology and praxis. I highly recommend this fine work."" --Donald L. Hamilton Columbia International University Seminary and School of Missions This study of Jesus' prayer in John 17 is firmly grounded in scripture and solid theology. The book takes concepts from the High Priestly prayer and ties them together with pertinent scripture passages to show how this chapter presents Jesus as the great High Priest, the second person of the trinity and the Savior. The use of great teachers and preachers of the past helps the book avoid the shallow trendiness and novelty which is the bane of so many sermon and academic books today. The book is a treasure trove of material for sermons and Bible study. This study of Jesus' High Priestly prayer in John 17 is a study of the great themes of Christianity as reflected in this parayer and ties together much of scripture and great preachers and thinkers from many Christian traditions. It systematically explores Christ's role and purpose and helps our understanding of John's presentation of Jesus. --Ray K Sutherland Associate Professor, Philosophy and Religion at University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Pembroke, NC About the Contributor(s): Michael Cannon is ordained as a minister in the Presbyterian Church in America
