Thoughts for the Day

Jesus prayed to the Father: 'I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, 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. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one. I in them, and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them, even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.'

Thoughts

This prayer found in St John's Gospel is often called the High Priestly Prayer, because Jesus intercedes with God for his disciples. He has been trying to prepare them for his coming death and resurrection, but they have spectacularly failed to understand him. He now must leave his work to be completed by these ordinary men, and if they achieved little with him present, what could they do without him? There are two things to notice though: Jesus is leaving the future in God's hands, and he will send the Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide the disciples!

Jesus prays, 'that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me'. The combination of the disciples together with the Father and the Son, and with the power of the Holy Spirit will make everything possible. This little group of men will go on to change the world.

Lastly, notice that Jesus prays for those who will believe in him because of the disciples' teaching. That's us! Two thousand year's ago the Son of God prayed for us. But this prayer is more about Christian unity than us as individuals. So this morning might be a good time to pray for our individual congregations - our village or town churches - that have been unable to meet together in worship for so long.

Thursday 28th May, follow up thoughts

Lord Jesus,
we pray today for our churches
and for all who worship with us each week.
May we grow stronger
through this time of adversity
as we worship without their company.
We pray especially for those who
live alone, and who are struggling
with their faith.
Amen