After his farewell discourse with his disciples, Jesus prayed his longest recorded prayer in John 17:1-26. He prayed regarding himself, for his original disciples, and for his later disciples, but his overarching request was for God’s glory. Because God’s glory on earth is tied to how his disciples live, prayer for his disciples to do well is prayer for God’s glory.
This first parable from Matthew provides the key to understanding all the parables and to entering the kingdom of God.
In response to King Saul’s second major error and his excuse, Samuel famously declared that to obey is better than sacrifice.
In preparation for coming calamity, the prophet made plans to rejoice in the Lord.
