Often when looking for a church, people will choose a church on the basis of their own preferences.

They might wish a certain form of music, such as guitars and drums. Others prefer a pipe organ and think it adds immeasurably to the singing.

Some, like the Christians I met in Africa, want the sermon to be at least an hour long—and preferably an hour and a half to two hours long.

What's sad, in my estimation, is that no one seems to care about what Jesus wants in church worship and praise to Him.

So when it comes to some of our Christian activities, we never give a thought to what our Lord wishes. All we can see on our horizon is what we want in the matter.

Some years ago I made a detailed study of John 17 and it revolutionized my prayer life.

I'm speaking especially of the Lord's petitions for His people recorded there. The things He asked from the Father on behalf of His church were things that I never thought of seeking for myself.

I believe that if Christians seriously asked themselves "What does Jesus want in my prayer life?" they might be surprised at the answers given in the Bible.

John 17 is an amazing look into the heart and mind of our Saviour and deserves detailed consideration.

The first thing Jesus seeks from the Father for His people is protection.

Here's something that people usually think of only in terms of the physical. Jesus can't mean physical protection because He knew and prophesied that some would die a martyr's death.

So much for the physical.

Surely our Lord is primarily concerned about the spiritual protection of His followers.

As we see in Luke 22:31-32, Jesus prays for our spiritual protection, while we usually think about the physical first, rather than the spiritual.

Perhaps this is where you need to begin revising your prayer life.

Put your physical concerns far down in the list of what's important and raise to the top your desire for spiritual growth and strength.

Recognize that we're in a battle for truth and righteousness. We need the "full armour of God" (Ephesians 6:13) if we hope to win spiritual battles.

Before you begin your prayer time today, ask yourself, "What does Jesus want in my prayers?" Then get busy in prayer and you shall prosper in this wonderfully important spiritual exercise.