John 17:6-19
Be Still: Lord, help me to be still before you. Help me to listen. Help me to receive. I ask that you transform my heart and my mind as I choose to spend this moment with you today. Amen.
Read: John 17:6-19
I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. (v9)
Encounter: Today we read Jesus' intimate prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, hours before his arrest. While we know Jesus' mission was ultimately for the salvation of the world, at this specific moment his prayer is focused on those closest to him - praying for those who had walked with him, eaten with him, and learned from him. In these verses, Jesus is pouring out his heart, praying for their salvation (6-10), unity (11), protection (12-16) and sanctification (17-19). Jesus, fully aware of the opposition and trials his disciples would face, prioritised their spiritual needs over their physical needs.
This is a powerful reminder for us today. While we must pray for those who need salvation, we also need to pray specifically for the spiritual needs of those whom God has given us. Praying for others is not only an act of love but connects us to God’s heart and allows us to be part of his work in their lives. As Jesus interceded for his disciples, we are invited to stand in the gap for those around us.
Apply: Who in your life needs prayer today? Take a moment to pray specifically for their spiritual walk. You might want to begin by thanking God for them and then, following Jesus' words, pray for their salvation, unity, protection, and sanctification.
I have recently started meeting for prayer with a couple of friends on a Tuesday morning. It's beautiful how things that would have usually gone unsaid, find their voice in prayer. Praying has brought us closer together and enables us to share in the highs, lows and even the mundane moments of life.
Devote: Lord, help me remember those closest around me, praying for their needs not just mine. Please help me to see them as you see them. As I pray for them today, give me words of knowledge, comfort, and guidance to share with them.