THE PRAYER THAT united every corner of the earth

Imagine being able to hear a dying mother’s final prayer for her beloved children. How would her imminent death sharpen her focus? What would you learn about her deepest desires for her children?

We have something even more precious in Scripture. We have the final prayer of Jesus for His beloved disciples. “Father, the time has come. I have done all the work you gave me to do. Now, I pray for the people You have given me.”

Jesus prayed for protection, joy and holiness for all those who had entrusted their lives to Him. He even looked down the corridors of time and prayed for all His future disciples—including us!

There is one overriding matter that we find on Jesus’ heart as He prays for us. Again and again He prays that we might “be one.” Unity is rare in the world. It’s rare in politics, in marriages, in families and in communities. It is a powerful thing when we find a group of individuals absolutely focused on one common purpose. It is rare and precious to find unity with genuine love. But that was Jesus’ deepest desire for us. He prayed that we—His church—might know the true love and oneness that can only come from God. Let’s prayerfully seek it together.

PRAYER: Acts 4:23-30

ANSWER: Acts 4:31-35