27th June 2022
Jesus prayed for you and me
“…I pray also for those who will believe in me through their [the disciples’] message…”
John 17:20 (NIV)
Do you find it difficult to pray sometimes? I know I do.
The words don’t always come; we can be too tired in the morning or the evening, and during the day our time can be filled up with busyness and distractions. If that’s you, don’t despair. In times when we find it difficult to pray as we would like, it’s comforting and reassuring to know that Jesus has prayed for us. On the night before he went to the cross, when he was in the upper room with the disciples, and with all the things that must have been on his mind at that time (Luke 22:39-46), Jesus prayed for you and me.
Isn’t that incredible? First Jesus asked his Abba that we “may be one” (John 17:21). Jesus wants us to have the same relationship with each other that he has with his Abba: “…Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” The only way we can be ‘one’ in our relationships is because we participate in the very life of God. We are drawn into the divine circle of love, as Jesus said, “May they also be in us.” (v.21).
Jesus wants his people to be united together “…so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (v.21). Our close relationship with one another, as we participate in the community of the Godhead, is the power of our evangelistic witness. The world will believe in Jesus when they see him present and powerful in our lives, demonstrated in the love we have for one another. Is this kind of unity possible within the body of Christ? The only way is to participate with Jesus in the relationship he has with his Abba: “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (vv.22-23).
Jesus prayed that we would understand that God loves us, just like he knew God loved him. God loves you with a complete and unconditional love; you are his child, and so are your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Jesus concluded his prayer for us by saying, “I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” (v.26). Let’s rejoice and be glad that when we find it difficult to pray, Jesus is still praying that we may know the depth of love that the Father has for us, (Romans 8:34).
It’s that love that will bind us together, and bring others to faith.
Prayer
Abba Father, thank you for loving us unconditionally, and for Jesus’ prayers for all believers. In his name, Amen.
Study by Barry Robinson
About the writer:
Barry Robinson is a Minister in Grace Communion International and Regional Pastor for Southern England.
Local congregation:
Grace Communion International Camberwell
The Salvation Army Hall
105 Lomond Grove
Camberwell
London SE5 7HN
Meeting time:
Saturday 11 am
Local congregational contact:
Barry Robinson
Email: camberwell@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church