Prayerfully Re-Center Around God
John 17:6-12
Jesus Prays for His Disciples
6 “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
Pondering Point
The idea of Jesus praying for his disciples to be one parallels Jesus himself being one with the Father. That sounds like a pretty significant Oneness. When Jesus originally prayed this, he was praying for the first disciples.
Scriptures testify that Jesus intercedes for his followers, his disciples. Who is Jesus praying that you would “be one” with? We like to be protected and kept safe, which Jesus prays for as well. That is worth praying for, but before we do so let's review the idea of being one with others.
Review the Week
Oneness matters to Jesus. Does oneness matter to you? How might you define oneness? How might you imagine Jesus would define such oneness?
Repent (if necessary)
Consider whether you have prayed for, sought after, or cared about such oneness. Do you minimize its significance or even avoid it? Maybe you need to repent of not having this as a focal point in our spiritual walk.
Return (as necessary)
Desire oneness with God the Father and with His children. As you return to the Father, pray that He will help God’s people (including you) to discern how to be one amid different perspectives, opinions, cultures, and
backgrounds.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for requesting protection over your disciples, including myself. I pray that you teach my spirit what it means to be one with other disciples and that by the power of your name I would experience this oneness with my brothers and sisters in Christ, your beloved. In Your name I pray. Amen.