May 28

Jesus’ Unanswered Prayer

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 122:1-5 | 2 Samuel 13:1-39 | John 17:1-26 | Proverbs16:6-7

Today’s Scripture Focus:  John 17:1-26

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you 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. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me (John 17:20-23 NIV).

You learn a lot about a person when you hear them pray. You find out what is really in their heart—what are their priorities and passions. Perhaps that is why I find this text so intriguing. It gives us a picture of how Jesus prayed for his followers—including you and me.

What does he pray for? Along with protection from the enemy, along with sanctification, along with his concern for us to make a meaningful difference in the world, Jesus was concerned for the unity of the church: “that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.” Why does his pray for this? “Then the world will know you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

This, for the most part, seems to be an unanswered prayer. I struggle with unanswered prayers sometimes. I wonder if Jesus ever does.

There are so many good agendas that seem to get in the way of Jesus’ prayer being answered.

I don’t know about you, but I am joining Jesus in his prayer burden for the unity of his followers. I want to be a part of the answer rather than a part of the problem. It is time for Jesus’ prayer to be answered.

Father, I join your son in praying for the unity of your people—the church. May we brought to complete unity that the world may see that you sent Jesus and loved them even as you, Father, have loved Jesus. How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Amen.