Scripture

Our verse for today comes from John 17:11, “Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.”

Background

The year was 1949. As seven young men were praying in a barn outside the city one man stood and read from Psalm 24:3-5, “Who can ascend the hill of the Lord? …” When he finished reading the verses he asked the six men who were praying with him if it was not senseless to be praying for revival if they themselves were not right with God! Almost immediately God’s presence overcame the group and they found themselves laying face down weeping, confessing their sins and seeking forgiveness. God answered their prayers and the Hebrides Islands, a group of small islands just off the coast of Scotland, soon came alive with revival.

Application

Jesus’ prayer in John 17:11 is a plea to the Father on behalf of the character of His followers. He asked that they would be protected, even guarded, in His name and character. He was praying for intimacy and nearness – that their walk would match their talk – that their witness would be clean and pure as His was. He was praying for their lives to be a witness to His name and character. What can be learned from this prayer? One simple truth – we can’t separate our prayers from who we are in Christ. Our character in Christ will have a direct impact on the prayers we pray. How are you doing?

Charge

As we seek Him today, pray that the Lord would reveal inconsistencies with your walk and your talk.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words