Jesus Prays for You!
Scripture Reading — John 17:6-19
“I pray … for those you have given me, for they are yours.”
John 17:9
Have you ever asked someone to pray for you? When we ask people to pray for us, we open ourselves to God’s mysterious will.
Did you know that Jesus also prays for us, showing his care for each of us personally?
John gives us a snapshot of what Jesus wants for us. When Jesus prays for us, he’s after something deep in us and in the heart of God.
Jesus prayed that we may know him personally. Jesus is not like a book to master or a formula to follow. He’s a personal Savior, and he has come to save you and me. Why? Because he loves us.
Jesus also prayed that we may obey him in all things. On our behalf he asks the Father that we take in his words with great seriousness and joy. We were created for the Father’s pleasure and glory.
As Jesus was leaving this world, he did not leave us without any help or assistance. “Holy Father,” Jesus prayed, “protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.” This is a call for all God’s children to help, serve, and love each other in unity in the name of the Lord. The world will know we are Christians by our love.
Right now, Jesus is praying for you and me by name. Count on it! (See also Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25.)
It’s amazing, Lord, to know you are praying for us. Thank you for your love and care for us and for your protection from evil. Help us also to pray for others. In your name, Amen.
About the author — Reginald Smith
Dr. Reginald Smith is senior pastor at Roosevelt Park Community Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he has served for seventeen years. He has also served as a pastor in Paterson, New Jersey. He and his wife, Sharon, have three daughters, Janelle, Katrina, and Mariah.
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