Psalm 95** & 31; Ezek. 18:1-4, 25-32; Phil. 4:1-9; John 17:9-19

** Intended for use in the morning


John 17:9-19 Jesus Prays for His Disciples

You know how when someone prays you get an impression of what is important to them?

While reading Jesus’ prayer of intercession for his disciples, I was overwhelmed by His love for them. He was concerned for their safety and desired their continued relationship with God and with each other after He was gone. He considered the disciples a gift from God and their belief in Him brought Him glory. Their protection and sanctification were extremely important to Him.

How very different this prayer is than the prayer Jesus taught his disciples to pray. The Lord’s Prayer gives us an impression of what has always been important to God and what God wants to be important to all of us. The Lord’s Prayer is foundational to our prayer life in that it teaches us what is supposed to be important to us. So what’s important to Jesus in his prayer? As our savior and mediator, Jesus’ prayer is glorious because of its powerful intercession for his disciples and subsequently for all who believe.

Lord God, thank you for sending your Word into the world. Jesus, thank you for being obedient to death and sanctification. Thank you for your love and commitment. Thank you for interceding for us. Help us to follow your example.