Jesus Prays for His Disciples

Read John 17
 
John 17:20-21 I pray not only for them, but also for those who believe in me because of their message. 21 I pray that they may all be one.
 
DO you want to feel loved? Then I sincerely hope you take time to read John 17. The apostle John unveils our Lord as one who deeply loves God the Father and all who are his disciples. Let’s see Jesus’ love in this “High Priestly Prayer”.
    As the Bible often teaches, prayer is certainly one of the cornerstones to the resurrection lifestyle, isn’t it? As we know, prayer was foundational to Jesus’ life on earth. Jesus demonstrated to us all how prayer is a key means of our relationship with the Father and with all who believe. The Son of God prayed regularly and deliberately. And so should we.
    Why? What happens when we pray? Here are a few reasons to pray: Prayer sets our hearts in the right place; a sincere conversation with God will open you to feel his love. Prayer connects our mind to God’s knowledge. Prayer moves our us to consider others’ needs. Prayer directs our lives to seek forgiveness and to forgive. Prayer gives us time to praise God for his daily blessings in our lives. Prayer protects us from evil thoughts and the Evil One’s temptations.
    Prayer is confessing to God that he is our Lord. We trust him. We believe him. And prayer demonstrates we believe he really is our sovereign God of Heaven and earth.
    And notice this about Jesu’ prayer that night before the cross. Jesus petitioned the Father to watch over his disciples present with him that night. Then lovingly he asked God to unite and protect all who would believe in him through the ages. Think of it! The Son of God prayed long ago that you would unite with all of Jesus’ disciples. He longed for you to be of one universal church under the Father’s authority. He also prayed the Father to protect and to take care of you today. What a loving Savior! The Good Shepherd loves his flock. He desires we all follow him together, united with him and together with each other.
    Here’s a thought: Are you praying for God to protect and unite your family now and the future generations?


Resurrection Truth: Pray, “Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your amazing love for each one of us. Thank you for praying for us then, and for praying for us now. Thank you that you are our priest who intercedes for us. You have paid the price. You have atoned for our sins. In your gracious, profound love, may we love you and follow you with a high, wide, long and deep love. Amen.”