Praying for Unity

John 17:9-12 “I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name – the name you gave me – so that they may be one as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.”
 
JESUS’ ministry was empowered with prayer for the Jews and
the world. He has taught us prayer is necessary for all circumstances. He has even commanded prayer for our enemies because all people are under God’s sovereign care. “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in Heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:44)  
   Prayer also unifies us as God’s people, regardless of the many cultures, customs and traditions that might separate us. Sometimes we pray for the world. Sometimes we pray specifically for one person or a particular group of people. This is what Jesus does here. Jesus, of course, knew the disciples would need God’s wisdom, power and protection.
   As we know, these things came from the Holy Spirit – the Helper – in the name of the Lord God Almighty. This is the “I AM” God of creation. He is the One who protected the Hebrews in Egypt then empowered  them to conquer the Promised Land. He protected them under his name as they were in Babylon’s exile. Now the Lord God has anointed 12 men (Judas will be replaced) to build his church on earth. The Bible is God’s story of redemption through his choosing and empowering particular people to be the workers of God’s salvation plan.
   Learn from Jesus’ prayer. We must always be diligent to pray for the world at large. And we must be particular to pray for people in Jesus’ church. Pray for God to protect your loved ones, your country, your community and your church. Prayer in faith is a mighty weapon against evil’s constant assaults.   
   Pray, too, that your words and works will glorify God. What you say and do as Jesus’ disciple is very important to help your family, church, neighbors and even your enemies see Jesus. You glorify God when people see his magnificent love, grace and mercy through you. Be as one with the Son and Father. Display the Holy God to a world in need.