Jesus Prayer for Me and You

John 17:20-26

"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. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."

I read that this morning. I kept hearing something that reminded me of the phrase"that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me." To be in unity with my Father. That's always the goal. But how easily distracted I can become when adversity comes my way. It's been weeks of frustrations, anger, resentments and fear. I can point fingers to spiritual attacks. I know I'm still a major work in progress. I know it's all used to show me the good and the bad. What needs to die so I can truly live. Learning how to be content in everything. Learning that the more I want "things," the more empty they'll make me. The more I want "things" my way, the more empty I'll make me. In the midst of daily walk, I cry out for God to purge out the anger. Save me from the resentment. This stuff will kill me. How do I let go? How do I forgive? How do I really forgive myself? Why do I show favoritism? Is it really that wrong? Wisdom's somewhere in there too right? Jesus, I just want to be connected to the Vine. I need to be centered. I just want communion with Him. It means so much to me. To go up on the mountain like Moses and Aaron and his sons and just eat and drink in His presence (Exodus 24).

So I'm thankful that God pointed me back to that Scripture. And for the first time, I sensed the soft and tender words of Jesus speaking that to me. And to each of you, my fellow disciples, my brothers and sisters, sons and daughters of the Most High.

Be encouraged today as we abide in the Vine. As we work out our salvation with fear and trembling. As we drink the bitter cup of suffering. As we yearn and seek the unity with our Father, with our God. Continue to abide together, never apart.