WEEK 5 | Feb 1-7
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1
THE DESIRE OF JESUS’ HEART
“Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.” John 17:24 (ESV)
It’s always exciting when we see a returning soldier surprise their friends and family at a special event, like a football game or school program. When a soldier returns home from deployment, one of the most emotional moments is reuniting with family. The longing to be together again is deep and real. That’s the heart of Jesus’ prayer in verse 24.
“Father, I desire…” Those are some of the most tender words in Scripture. Jesus’ desire is not for comfort, power, or recognition. His deepest longing is for you to be with Him forever. Before His death, He prayed for your eternal fellowship with Him in glory.
This verse reveals not just Jesus’ mission, but His affection. The One who died for you also wants you near Him eternally. The phrase “to see my glory” points to the moment when believers will behold His majesty face to face. We will see what the disciples only glimpsed at the Transfiguration: Christ exalted, radiant, and reigning.
Heaven isn’t merely a place of golden streets and angelic songs; it’s the presence of Jesus. And if His desire is for us to be there, we can rest assured we will be.
REFLECTION
●How does it change your perspective to know that Jesus wants you with Him?
●What does “seeing His glory” mean to you as you think about eternity?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS
●Thank Jesus for desiring your eternal fellowship with Him.
●Pray for a renewed longing to live each day with heaven in view.
THE DESIRE OF JESUS’ HEART
“Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.” John 17:24 (ESV)
It’s always exciting when we see a returning soldier surprise their friends and family at a special event, like a football game or school program. When a soldier returns home from deployment, one of the most emotional moments is reuniting with family. The longing to be together again is deep and real. That’s the heart of Jesus’ prayer in verse 24.
“Father, I desire…” Those are some of the most tender words in Scripture. Jesus’ desire is not for comfort, power, or recognition. His deepest longing is for you to be with Him forever. Before His death, He prayed for your eternal fellowship with Him in glory.
This verse reveals not just Jesus’ mission, but His affection. The One who died for you also wants you near Him eternally. The phrase “to see my glory” points to the moment when believers will behold His majesty face to face. We will see what the disciples only glimpsed at the Transfiguration: Christ exalted, radiant, and reigning.
Heaven isn’t merely a place of golden streets and angelic songs; it’s the presence of Jesus. And if His desire is for us to be there, we can rest assured we will be.
REFLECTION
●How does it change your perspective to know that Jesus wants you with Him?
●What does “seeing His glory” mean to you as you think about eternity?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS
●Thank Jesus for desiring your eternal fellowship with Him.
●Pray for a renewed longing to live each day with heaven in view.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2
THE LOVE THAT NEVER BEGAN AND NEVER ENDS
“…to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.” John 17:24 (ESV)
Before time began, before galaxies spun or oceans formed, there was love. The Father loved the Son in perfect, unbroken fellowship. That eternal love is the foundation of our salvation.
Jesus connects His glory to the Father’s eternal love, “because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” Redemption didn’t begin at Calvary; it began in eternity, when the Father’s love for the Son overflowed into the creation and redemption of mankind.
This eternal love secures our hope. The same love that held the universe together now holds us. It’s not a love we earn; it’s one we receive. When you feel forgotten or unworthy, remember: you were loved before you were born.
Every act of God toward us, calling, saving, forgiving, is an extension of that eternal love. Heaven will simply be the full experience of that love, unhindered by sin or sorrow.
REFLECTION
●How does knowing God’s love existed before creation deepen your trust in Him?
●When life feels uncertain, how can you rest in the permanence of His love?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS
●Thank God for loving you before the world began.
●Ask Him to help you live in the confidence of His eternal and unchanging love.
THE LOVE THAT NEVER BEGAN AND NEVER ENDS
“…to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.” John 17:24 (ESV)
Before time began, before galaxies spun or oceans formed, there was love. The Father loved the Son in perfect, unbroken fellowship. That eternal love is the foundation of our salvation.
Jesus connects His glory to the Father’s eternal love, “because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” Redemption didn’t begin at Calvary; it began in eternity, when the Father’s love for the Son overflowed into the creation and redemption of mankind.
This eternal love secures our hope. The same love that held the universe together now holds us. It’s not a love we earn; it’s one we receive. When you feel forgotten or unworthy, remember: you were loved before you were born.
Every act of God toward us, calling, saving, forgiving, is an extension of that eternal love. Heaven will simply be the full experience of that love, unhindered by sin or sorrow.
REFLECTION
●How does knowing God’s love existed before creation deepen your trust in Him?
●When life feels uncertain, how can you rest in the permanence of His love?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS
●Thank God for loving you before the world began.
●Ask Him to help you live in the confidence of His eternal and unchanging love.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3
GLORY REVEALED
“Father, I desire that they… may be with me where I am, to see my glory…” John 17:24 (ESV)
In 1910, Halley’s Comet passed close enough to Earth that people flooded the streets to look up in awe. For many, it was the most breathtaking sight they would ever see. Yet, even that wonder pales beside what believers will one day behold, the glory of Christ.
When Jesus prayed that we would “see His glory,” He was inviting us into an eternal revelation. We will not only see His beauty but also understand the fullness of His grace and power. Every tear wiped away, every wrong made right, every sorrow redeemed will reveal another facet of His glory.
The glory we’ll see isn’t distant light; it’s a personal relationship. Heaven isn’t just about a place; it’s about a Person. Jesus’ prayer guarantees that believers will not only enter His presence but also enjoy it forever. For now, we catch glimpses of that glory in creation, Scripture, and worship. But one day, faith will give way to sight.
REFLECTION
●What glimpses of God’s glory have encouraged you in difficult times?
●How does the promise of seeing Christ’s glory affect how you live today?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS
●Thank Jesus for the promise of seeing His glory face to face.
●Pray for eyes to see and celebrate His glory in worship at The Hills and in everyday life.
GLORY REVEALED
“Father, I desire that they… may be with me where I am, to see my glory…” John 17:24 (ESV)
In 1910, Halley’s Comet passed close enough to Earth that people flooded the streets to look up in awe. For many, it was the most breathtaking sight they would ever see. Yet, even that wonder pales beside what believers will one day behold, the glory of Christ.
When Jesus prayed that we would “see His glory,” He was inviting us into an eternal revelation. We will not only see His beauty but also understand the fullness of His grace and power. Every tear wiped away, every wrong made right, every sorrow redeemed will reveal another facet of His glory.
The glory we’ll see isn’t distant light; it’s a personal relationship. Heaven isn’t just about a place; it’s about a Person. Jesus’ prayer guarantees that believers will not only enter His presence but also enjoy it forever. For now, we catch glimpses of that glory in creation, Scripture, and worship. But one day, faith will give way to sight.
REFLECTION
●What glimpses of God’s glory have encouraged you in difficult times?
●How does the promise of seeing Christ’s glory affect how you live today?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS
●Thank Jesus for the promise of seeing His glory face to face.
●Pray for eyes to see and celebrate His glory in worship at The Hills and in everyday life.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4
LOVED INTO UNITY
“O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17:25–26 (ESV)
A missionary once said, “The more you know God, the more you love people.” That’s exactly what Jesus prayed here. His final request wasn’t just for glory but for love; the Father’s love to dwell in His followers.
Jesus distinguishes between the world, which doesn’t know the Father, and believers, who do. He reveals God’s name, His nature, and promises to continue doing so. The result? “That the love with which You have loved Me may be in them.” In other words, the same divine love that flows between the Father and Son now flows through us.
This love is more than emotion; it’s evidence of divine life within. It empowers forgiveness, sustains unity, and fuels mission. When believers walk in that kind of love, the world sees God’s reality.
REFLECTION
●How has God’s love changed the way you relate to others at SHBC?
●What can you do this week to reflect the love Jesus prayed for here?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS
●Thank God for filling your heart with His divine love.
●Pray that your relationships would reflect the unity and love of the Father and Son.
LOVED INTO UNITY
“O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17:25–26 (ESV)
A missionary once said, “The more you know God, the more you love people.” That’s exactly what Jesus prayed here. His final request wasn’t just for glory but for love; the Father’s love to dwell in His followers.
Jesus distinguishes between the world, which doesn’t know the Father, and believers, who do. He reveals God’s name, His nature, and promises to continue doing so. The result? “That the love with which You have loved Me may be in them.” In other words, the same divine love that flows between the Father and Son now flows through us.
This love is more than emotion; it’s evidence of divine life within. It empowers forgiveness, sustains unity, and fuels mission. When believers walk in that kind of love, the world sees God’s reality.
REFLECTION
●How has God’s love changed the way you relate to others at SHBC?
●What can you do this week to reflect the love Jesus prayed for here?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS
●Thank God for filling your heart with His divine love.
●Pray that your relationships would reflect the unity and love of the Father and Son.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5
THE GOD WHO MAKES HIMSELF KNOWN
“I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known.” John 17:26 (ESV)
An author once said, “God doesn’t play hide and seek. He plays seek and find.” Jesus’ words prove that. The God of the universe wants to be known.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus revealed the Father’s heart, His compassion, holiness, and mercy. Even now, through His Spirit, He continues to reveal Himself. Every moment of conviction, comfort, or clarity in your spiritual walk is evidence of His ongoing revelation.
Knowing God isn’t a one-time experience; it’s a lifelong journey. The more we know Him, the more we love Him. The more we love Him, the more we become like Him.
REFLECTION
●How has Jesus revealed more of God’s character to you recently?
●What practices help you continually grow in your knowledge of God?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS
●Thank Jesus for revealing the Father’s heart to you through His Word.
●Ask the Holy Spirit to deepen your understanding and awareness of God’s presence.
THE GOD WHO MAKES HIMSELF KNOWN
“I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known.” John 17:26 (ESV)
An author once said, “God doesn’t play hide and seek. He plays seek and find.” Jesus’ words prove that. The God of the universe wants to be known.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus revealed the Father’s heart, His compassion, holiness, and mercy. Even now, through His Spirit, He continues to reveal Himself. Every moment of conviction, comfort, or clarity in your spiritual walk is evidence of His ongoing revelation.
Knowing God isn’t a one-time experience; it’s a lifelong journey. The more we know Him, the more we love Him. The more we love Him, the more we become like Him.
REFLECTION
●How has Jesus revealed more of God’s character to you recently?
●What practices help you continually grow in your knowledge of God?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS
●Thank Jesus for revealing the Father’s heart to you through His Word.
●Ask the Holy Spirit to deepen your understanding and awareness of God’s presence.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6
LOVED LIKE JESUS
“…that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17:26 (ESV)
A gardener once said, “If the sap flows through the vine, it will flow through the branches.” That’s the picture Jesus paints here. The Father’s love for the Son now flows through believers.
This isn’t human affection, it’s divine. It enables us to love people who are difficult, forgive those who’ve wronged us, and serve those who can’t repay us. It’s the kind of love that changes families, heals wounds, and transforms communities.
When that love fills Shirley Hills Baptist Church, the world notices. Theologian Tertullian wrote that early Christians were often described this way: “See how they love one another.” That love wasn’t natural; it was supernatural. Jesus’ closing prayer shows the full circle of redemption: God’s love flows to Christ, from Christ to us, and through us to the world.
REFLECTION
●Who in your life needs to experience Christlike love through you right now?
●How can you let God’s love shape your attitude in difficult relationships?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS
●Ask God to fill you with His love so it overflows into every relationship.
●Pray for Shirley Hills BC to be known by the way it loves like Jesus.
LOVED LIKE JESUS
“…that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17:26 (ESV)
A gardener once said, “If the sap flows through the vine, it will flow through the branches.” That’s the picture Jesus paints here. The Father’s love for the Son now flows through believers.
This isn’t human affection, it’s divine. It enables us to love people who are difficult, forgive those who’ve wronged us, and serve those who can’t repay us. It’s the kind of love that changes families, heals wounds, and transforms communities.
When that love fills Shirley Hills Baptist Church, the world notices. Theologian Tertullian wrote that early Christians were often described this way: “See how they love one another.” That love wasn’t natural; it was supernatural. Jesus’ closing prayer shows the full circle of redemption: God’s love flows to Christ, from Christ to us, and through us to the world.
REFLECTION
●Who in your life needs to experience Christlike love through you right now?
●How can you let God’s love shape your attitude in difficult relationships?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS
●Ask God to fill you with His love so it overflows into every relationship.
●Pray for Shirley Hills BC to be known by the way it loves like Jesus.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7
THE PROMISE OF PRESENCE
“Father, I desire that they may be with me where I am…” John 17:24 (ESV)
When a child is afraid at night, the presence of a parent often brings instant peace. The fear doesn’t vanish because the danger is gone; it fades because someone greater is near.
That’s the heart of Jesus’ prayer. He longs not only for our future presence with Him in glory but also for His present presence in us. Through the Holy Spirit, Christ abides in every believer today. The God who will one day welcome us into heaven now walks with us on earth.
This truth transforms how we live. We don’t have to chase peace, purpose, or worth; they’re already found in His presence. The more we live aware of His nearness, the more courage and contentment we find. Heaven isn’t simply our destination; it’s our direction, each day moving closer to full fellowship with the One who loves us most.
REFLECTION
●How does Jesus’ continual presence give you peace in daily life?
●What can you do to cultivate greater awareness of His presence this week?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS
●Thank Jesus for His promise to be with you now and forever.
●Ask Him to help you live each day conscious of His presence and power.
THE PROMISE OF PRESENCE
“Father, I desire that they may be with me where I am…” John 17:24 (ESV)
When a child is afraid at night, the presence of a parent often brings instant peace. The fear doesn’t vanish because the danger is gone; it fades because someone greater is near.
That’s the heart of Jesus’ prayer. He longs not only for our future presence with Him in glory but also for His present presence in us. Through the Holy Spirit, Christ abides in every believer today. The God who will one day welcome us into heaven now walks with us on earth.
This truth transforms how we live. We don’t have to chase peace, purpose, or worth; they’re already found in His presence. The more we live aware of His nearness, the more courage and contentment we find. Heaven isn’t simply our destination; it’s our direction, each day moving closer to full fellowship with the One who loves us most.
REFLECTION
●How does Jesus’ continual presence give you peace in daily life?
●What can you do to cultivate greater awareness of His presence this week?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS
●Thank Jesus for His promise to be with you now and forever.
●Ask Him to help you live each day conscious of His presence and power.