Today we change gears in Jesus' discussion with His disciples at the Last Supper (Jn 17: 1-11A). Jesus has spent the previous 4 chapters of John's Gospel teaching the group, starting with His washing of the disciples' feet. He's done with that now, and is preparing for His arrest, crucifixion and death. So He prays. All of chapter 17 of John's Gospel is a prayer that Jesus makes to the Father, much of it for His followers (more on that tomorrow). Yes, Jesus prays for us. Think about that. Remarkable, isn't it? We can learn a lot about prayer if we reflect on the way in which Jesus prays in this chapter. Jesus' prayer is a conversation, or even a set of musings. He is talking to the Father like one would talk to a human parent, or even an old friend. There is nothing memorized or rote or repetitious. It is a simple recitation of what God the Father has done for Jesus, and how Jesus has responded. It is from the heart. In a very real sense, that is all there is to prayer-- just chatting with God. We don't need to be in any particular place, or adopt any particular posture, or say (or think) any particular words. We don't need to get ourselves into any particular mind-set or attitude. We don't need to make ourselves feel anything in particular. All we need to do is open our hearts and minds, and tell God what we want to tell Him , and then listen a bit. Eazy/peazy. Just try it.