In worship on Sunday, we read a portion of John 17. This entire chapter is known as Jesus’ “high priestly prayer.” In it, He prays specifically for His disciples, but, by extension, for all of us …. that we would be one as Jesus and the Father are one.
The language can get a little confusing with the “I in you and we in them” stuff. But, for this week, I would like you to read John 17 and pray the Lord’s Prayer each day.
There can be little room for doubt that there are significant divisions within our community and our world. Our Christian faith and witness has a lot to say about these divisions. I don’t believe God is calling us to seek peace at all costs – to back down on matters of importance. Really … can there ever be real peace without justice?
As you read and pray, consider our challenge question for the sermon which was “Will Jesus’ prayer be answered?” Not only will it be answered, but “When?” and “By whom?”
How can you be a bearer of Jesus’ justice and peace this week?
If you journal, it would be interesting to see what differences you see in your life after focusing on these Scriptures and questions through the full week.
Scripture
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.
Epicurious Lutheran 