Father, I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.
~ Oh, how Jesus has confidence in our faith!
I am praying for them.
~ Pause and smile on this truth. Selah.
Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one…that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
I do not ask that you take them out of this world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
~ Take these words personal, for they are His words over you.
~ Reread them.
~ Breathe in His words.
~ He loves you!
Make them holy -consecrated- with the truth; Your word is consecrated truth. In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world. I am consecrating myself for their sakes so they will be truth-consecrated in their mission.
– E. Peterson’s paraphrase on John 17:17-19
~ The italic words are Jesus’ recorded prayer found in John 17:8, 9, 11, 13, 15-16.
~ Read Jesus’ opening prayer HERE.
~ Read Jesus’ full prayer over you in John 17:1-26.