This came via email from Heart Cry, Paul Washer. I thought it was good.

Dear prayer partners,

The upper room discourse is recorded in John 13-17. This would be Jesus’ last few hours before His trial and crucifixion, and so, we should recognize that the themes He addressed were of utmost importance to Him. Possibly the most important truth to be gleaned from these chapters is that the fruit of the church is directly related to its devotion to believing and persevering prayer. 

 John 14:12-14 — “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.

 John 15:7-8 — “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.

 John 15:16 — “You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.

 John 16:23-27 — “In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full… In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father.”

 In John 14:12-14, it is through prayer that the church advances the cause of Christ beyond Judea to every tribe and tongue and people and nation. In John 15:7-8, it is through prayer that the church bears fruit, and thus, glorifies the Father and prove its own confession. In John 15:16, it is though prayer that the church bears eternal fruit and fulfills the purpose for which it was chosen. In John 16:23-27, it is through prayer and the return on prayers that the church’s joy is made full.

Jesus’ emphasis on prayer in His last few hours before the cross is astounding. From it, we learn that prayer is THE CATALYST to the bearing of fruit and the advancement of the kingdom. The one discipline that our flesh hates, the devil seeks to thwart, and the world mocks, is the most essential discipline of all. It is for this reason that the prince of preachers, Charles Spurgeon, would often say, “I would rather teach one man to pray than ten men to preach.” Public ministry without prayer is like smoke without fire. Though it makes for an impressive display it generates little warmth. 

 Your brother, Paul Washer

Looking Skyward, Kathie