A Prayer for Us
Most of us have prayed for someone in need and also have received prayers when needed. Usually, such requests are prompted by sickness, worry, or problems in relationships, work and family. Last Sunday’s Gospel passage (John 17:1-11) is directed to God the Father about our basic need to remain in communion with Him. It is called the “High Priestly Prayer of Jesus.”
As the eternal High Priest, Jesus prays that we discover the truth of God’s Kingdom in our heart and that we open ourselves to the meaning of His Word. Christians living in obedience to God are the only real evidence that Jesus existed. Think about that. If someone was to examine your life, where would Jesus be reflected? Would they see in you the joy of being a disciple? Would they see evidence that you are a member of the Kingdom of God?
You are an ambassador of God’s Kingdom in a broken world. You are the salt that preserves the memory of the true nature of creation — to be in relationship with God.
“Holy father, protect by the power of thy name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are one.” (John 17:11, NEB) Jesus knew, better than we will ever know, the importance of being close to God. He knew that, unless we are one with God, the emptiness of life and death is too much for us to handle. Jesus experienced the joy of being one with His Father and wanted that same joy for those who were close to Him. So, He prayed, “… may they be one, as we are one.”
I hope that as you read Jesus’ prayer for you today, it can give you some of the hope that we need and perhaps give you direction in your own prayer life.
