Acts 1:12-26; Revelation 22:1-20; John 17:20-26

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

It’s quite common for us to ask for prayers for one another. We share our struggles and burdens with one another that we may pray and show our concern for one another. Of course, this is what we’re called to do as Christians. Prayer is an important part of our walk in faith. By prayer, we lift up one another to God so that He may give us his grace and mercy amidst our concerns. 

If only we believed in prayer as much as we’re supposed to, though. Indeed, it would seem that many of us treat prayer as a last resort, as a “what have I got to lose” type of response to someone’s struggles. Worse yet, it’s not uncommon to hear a church prayer list turn into a gossip list. For when someone asks us to pray for them, do we actually follow through? Do we go to the Lord in prayer with the cares and concerns we’ve been given?

Here is where we should deeply consider our Lord’s words this week. Jesus prays to his Father prior to his passion, his resurrection, and as we celebrate this week (Thursday), his ascension into heaven. Jesus lifts up his cares and concerns before his Father, as we read, “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,” John 17:20. Jesus prayed for his disciples. He knew they would have a monumental task before them. But notice that Jesus doesn’t stop there. He prays for all who would believe through their word. That’s you and me! Prior to Jesus’ death and resurrection, his biggest concern was us! And for us, he prayed!

Jesus knew full well what we would face too. Persecution was bound to come to those who follow the crucified Lord. Jesus didn’t want us to fall into temptation, all that the world would put before us, but rather to follow and trust in him throughout our whole life. For this is the secondary effect of prayer, as Jesus says, “The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,” John 17:22. Prayer is meant to unify the church together as we pray for one another. We’re meant to be united in thoughts and concern for one another that we pray for one another even as others pray for us.

It is no small thing to say that Jesus prayed for you and me. Jesus doesn’t think prayer is a last resort, nor is it a last-ditch effort. Rather, when Jesus prays, he knows it will be answered… even in his own life, death, and resurrection! Everything for which Jesus prayed—for us to believe, for all believers to join him in eternity, for the church to be united in prayer—is accomplished by Jesus’ suffering and dying for us on the cross! It’s because of Jesus’ death and resurrection that we may be united and may have eternal life in Jesus’ name! But that’s not all. By right of Jesus’ ascension into heaven, Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to us who shall unite us in this faith and preserve us until Jesus comes again to bring us to dwell in his presence for all eternity! 

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:

O King of glory, Lord of hosts, uplifted in triumph far above all heavens, leave us not without consolation but send us the Spirit of truth whom You promised from the Father; for You live and reign with Him and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!