Read John 17:9-12. Circle the word(s) that stand out to you. What is the Lord saying to you?
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.
Reflections on the Word.
When we are under duress, sitting alone at home, we wonder, “Does anyone care?” When we can’t pray, we wonder, “Is there anyone praying for me?” I’ve been in those places and it’s only a matter of time when circumstances come into our lives, and we reach “rock bottom.”
Did you know that Jesus prays for you? He says this, “9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours” (NIV). The plural pronoun, them, not only includes the Apostles but also you and me. He prays for ALL of those whom the Heavenly Father has given to Him.
Jesus prays for your spiritual well-being from being attacked by the Evil One, Satan. Satan seeks to distract us through this world or devastate us through our circumstances. He doesn’t want us to walk with the Lord or be effective in the service for our God. Satan may hinder us but he can’t defeat us. The victory is already ours in Christ Jesus if only we continue to walk with Him.
God has given us the Armor of God to protect us from the fiery arrows of the evil ones (See Ephesians 6). Satan wants to keep you distracted and blinded to the provisions of God. He wants you to believe that God has abandoned you or that His provision is insufficient. He wants to sow and cultivate seeds of doubt in our hearts and minds. Satan is the Great Deceiver. He wants you and me to think that there is nothing left but this world.
When you and I don’t know what to say before the Throne of Grace, be assured that the Spirit of God intercedes for us. Our Savior has us in His heart. He prays for you and He is beside you. Don’t ever think that you are all alone. You’re not alone for He is with us and He has also given the Holy Spirit to live in us.
Jesus is our High Priest. He is praying for you and me.
-Kingston