Scripture: John 17:9-19
9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. [a] 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them [b] in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, [c] that they also may be sanctified [d] in truth.
Today's Meditation:Â
In today’s reading, we hear Jesus praying. Although it is shortly before his crucifixion, Jesus takes time to pray not only for himself but for his disciples and those who would later hear His message, including you and me. In the reading, we can also feel the closeness as Jesus speaks to God. Through Jesus, we also get to experience the opportunity for a deep and personal relationship with God. During this Lenten season, let us be mindful that God is never far away, and Jesus’ love and concern for you is always present. Remember, he prayed for you.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of a relationship with you, made possible through your Son, Jesus Christ. May we be comforted, guided, and strengthened by that love, and let us always be thankful, Amen.
Courtney Jones