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By Mike Caton

John 17:9, “I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.”

We all know Jesus prayed, and prayed often. We read about him getting up early and going off alone to pray, the disciples asked him to teach them to pray, he tells them he has prayed for them. So this is really not a surprise to find Jesus praying here. But he is praying specifically for the men gathered with him in this upper room.

These men will have a huge job to do; Jesus will be sending them out into the world to spread the good news about him. And they will do a powerful job of it. During their lifetime the gospel will spread throughout the whole known world. Thousands and thousands will hear the message, and though not all of them will become Christians, many will. And the power of the gospel will change the world! These men belong to Jesus, and therefore they belong to the Father. These men are committed. And though they will have many bad days ahead, that commitment to God will stand strong and get them through. There is no way they could do this on their own, it is only through the power of God that they accomplish what they do. And Jesus is asking for that in these verses.

Maybe we need to look more to the power of prayer in our own lives. We know we need others to pray for us, for the things we are facing and the tasks we have to do. But we also need to make sure we are doing the things that God would have us do. And we need to be praying for others as well. We need to encourage them to live the life God has called them to live. Prayer is a power we far too often overlook.

Father, help me depend on prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen

Mike Caton is the preacher at Mount Olive Church of Christ in Belhaven. He volunteers at the Ponzer Fire Department and works part time with Hyde County EMS. If you would like to receive daily devotions in your inbox, email mikecaton@centurylink.net.

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