Day 17 - 21 Days of Prayer Devotional

21 Days of Prayer DAY 17 - John 17:20-23 20 "I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one-as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. 22 "I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. CONSIDER THE CONTEXT Jesus is preparing for his final hours here on earth. He packs in as much about Himself and His Father's Plan as He can to those around Him. Towards the end of this amazing time with his closest followers, Jesus prays one of the most powerful and touching prayers one can imagine. In this final portion of Jesus' prayer from John 17 we focus on how our unity with Christ makes it possible for the lost to be attracted to a saving knowledge of Jesus. CONSIDER THE IMPLICATIONS Not only does Christ pray for the believers, He prays for the nonbelievers who are called to be at one with Christ and with us. We all are destined to be at one with Him. We can choose to turn away as well. Prayer has powerful affects on the eternal destiny of people in this world. The power of unity is summed up on the statement, "I in them and you in me..." That's where the glory of God can be seen in us all. That's the stuff that makes nonbelievers stop and take notice. It isn't the fact that we act as one - packs of dogs can do that. It is the fact that, through the unity we have with God the Father through Jesus Christ, the glory of God can be seen in this world. CONSIDER THE PRAYER God, your plan is just too big for me to fully take in. I thank you that Jesus helped bring your plan into focus with the word unity. "Christ in me and God the Father in Christ." That simple statement opens the doors of heaven to me and I thank you for that wonderful gift. Now Lord, please let me be a part of that unity at Coastline. Help me to connect in ways that make your glory be seen in my community, in my family and in all the circles of life you have placed me in. Give my Church a greater understanding and passion for that connection that brings unity. Bless us with more and more of your glory. Let us be a part of your great movement to bring the lost to a place where they too can be a part of and experience the glory of being united with you. Help us not be a part of all the petty arguments that, sometimes, break unity amongst believers. Let this next season in Coastline's life be one of mighty connection, unity, glory and harvest. Amen.