Did you get goosebumps or simply weep when you realized Jesus was praying for you in today’s reading on prayer? It doesn’t matter that we weren’t one of the followers walking in person with Jesus. We are walking with him now! What a beautiful plea on our behalf to God the Father!
Jesus would have precisely known the right words to say. He knew the human frailty that limits each of us. He had firsthand knowledge of the evil one’s schemes to mess us up and get us off track. What applied to his closest followers also applies to us when we accept his call on our lives, that is when we devote ourselves to living the Great Commission we read about in our reading from Acts 2.
Jesus was also praying for himself. This prayer is placed during his Last Supper with his friends. He knew the end of his mission on earth was coming to an abrupt and brutal end. He was signaling to the Father that he was ready. “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you.”
Everything we have is a gift from God. How does that make you feel? Jesus has shared many things with us through God’s word. I feel like we are in the inner circle, too. Do we believe and trust in God’s power and protection?
A life of faith is not a promise of an uneventful, safe life. It is a bold move for us to set aside our approval from the world. We’re seeing more and more distance form between Jesus and those who do not know him. It was true then, and it is true now. “And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.”
We don’t belong to this world. We belong to God and his kingdom. That helps us make sense of why we often don’t feel like we fit in. Many times, our values are in contradiction with what is “popular” or “politically correct.” We need to stay strong, ride the wave, and allow God’s protection to sustain us.
Jesus knew how to pray for exactly what we need in this regard. “Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.” This is why I’m so passionate about getting everyone back into God’s word. It’s our lifeline. We will only flounder about in this world if we don’t have the truth in our hearts.
1 John 3:19 says, “Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God.” What do your actions say about you? Think about Jesus’ prayer for you and feel the comfort of his love and devotion. Let your actions bring him glory!
Let’s pray. Jesus, my heart is overflowing with peace and gratitude for how you prayed for me and other believers. For all that you did to understand me and my weaknesses I will be forever grateful. I want my actions to glorify you. I want people to reconnect with your Word. I know you’re guiding my steps. Help me to follow you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
