Christ’s Prayer For His Children

Scripture:  John 17:15 - I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

This was a very trying time for the disciples.  Christ would be soon leaving them to return to the Father.  The world was so evil/treacherous toward Christ and the disciples, because they (Christ and the disciples) were in the world but not of the world. Many people hated Christ and, therefore, hated the disciples too.  The world hates true believers today.

Regardless of what Christ was going through, He loved the disciples and prayed to the Father for them. No matter what we are currently facing, it is so comforting to know that Christ Himself prays for us as true believers!! John 17:20a  says - Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word.

In this Christian walk/life, our trials/circumstances can be so overwhelming at times, but God’s grace is sufficient.   (II Corinthians 12:9-10 -  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.)  The Lord is praying for us that we will be kept so that we will fulfill our duties, responsibilities, and purpose for our lives.  He is praying that we will be kept from evil in this world and be kept from evil from our own hearts.  The Lord wants us to adhere to the moral/ethical principles set forth in the Word of God.  We are to take serious our walk with the Lord -- how we treat/forgive others, and our responsibility to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.  There have been times in my life when I have felt so burdened down/discouraged, but the Lord kept me.  He encouraged me, and He set me free!  There are times when you will have to encourage yourself in the Lord!  Hold on to God’s unchanging hands.  Don’t give up.  Continue to trust the Lord.  He won’t put more on you than you can bear!  (I Corinthians 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. ) Psalms 46:1 says God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  

Remember, He is continually praying for you. (Romans 8:34b - It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.) The Holy Spirit is interceding for you!!  Romans 8:26-27 says Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.   Continue to do what the Lord has called you to do.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for loving me, for forgiving me, and for praying for us.  Help me, no matter how busy I am, to take time to pray, read/study Your Word, and purpose in my heart to apply Your Word in my life.

(by Marsha Williams)