Jesus Prays For Me
An old song says “Somebody prayed for me/Had me on their mind/Took the time and prayed for me/I’m so glad they prayed/I’m so glad they prayed/I’m so glad they prayed for me.” Most of us can celebrate with the lyrics of this song. Someone, somewhere prayed for me! In my hard times, in times when I did not know, in times when I did not care—someone was talking to the Lord about me! I’m so grateful. I’m even more grateful to know that Jesus prayed for us!
John 17:20-23
My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 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.
What a beautiful truth to hold on to.
Jesus prayed that we be protected in this world. Jesus prayed for us to be unified as He and the Father are. There are so many things that divide us in the body of Christ. Jesus knew this, and showed us through His prayer, what He desired His body to be like. Jesus always did the will and work of His Father. They were so close that Jesus did not have to assume or guess what He should do, say, or where He should go—He knew because He knew the Father’s heart. We should be close enough in the body of Christ that we know each other’s hearts. Yes, the Spirit of God will reveal things to us, but I’m talking about being free with one another to share in a transparent way without fear of judgement or persecution. Where we are able to speak into each other’s lives in a way that produces spiritual results. This can only happen when we speak the truth IN LOVE! Fully be able to give correction, and receive correction knowing that the desire is not to tear down but to build up. Lord make us one.
Jesus prayed that through us, the world would know His love. We have an assignment to the world. We must show the love of Christ. Just as He was moved with compassion when he saw our needs, we must be also. We will see the needs of people when we look through the lens of love. Be eager to show God’s love. Look for opportunities to share, give, and impact lives. Lord, help us to show Your love.
Jesus prayed for our sanctification. We are to be in the world (physically) but not of the world (avoid having a worldly mindset). We need to know how to exist in this world that is not our home. He prayed that we would be sanctified through the truth of His Word so that we can live in—but not be culturally ingrained in—this world. The Word is a lamp and light that illuminates our path. Lord help us to walk in Your truth.
This beautiful prayer gives us strength and fortifies us as we walk. But what’s equally beautiful and fortifying is that Jesus STILL prays for us. Romans 8:33-34 speaks of this; as the enemy accuses, Jesus sits on the right hand of the Father making intercession for us! His earthly mission is complete, but His love and care for us never ceases. I’m so glad He prays, I’m so glad He prays, I’m SO GLAD He prays for me.
