READING: John 17
I confess that I write this devotion selfishly today. I believe that something happens when God’s people pray for one another—and I need your prayers today. I need God’s help in giving Him my burdens, focusing on the work today, and trusting Him with the future.
Jesus modeled this kind of praying as He interceded for His disciples and others in John 17. In fact, John 17:21 suggests that He prayed for us, too, with these words: “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word.” He prayed not only for His immediate followers, but also for all who would later believe as His followers proclaimed the gospel. Even now, He makes intercession for us (Heb 7:25).
Paul, too, prayed for those to whom he was writing his letters. He not only prayed for others (e.g, Eph 1:18—”I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints”), but he also sought their prayers, too: “And He will yet deliver us, you also joining in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many” (2 Cor 1:10-11). Prayer between Paul and his readers was a partnership in the power of God.
So, would you pray for me today? Would you pray for others as well? I may not know you personally, but do know that I’m also praying for all my readers today.
PRAYER: “Father, thank You for brothers and sisters in Christ who pray for us.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Chronicles 25-26, Acts 1
