Prayer for Unity and Protection

May 23, Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter
Daily Readings: Acts 20: 17-27, Gospel: John 17: 1-11a

In the Gospel of John, Jesus' prayer in John 17:1–11 is one of the most critical passages in the entire Bible. Jesus expresses his genuine love for his followers in this prayer, his desire for harmony, and the expectation that God will guard them. Jesus begins his prayer by acknowledging that the disciples are not his own but belong to God. He then goes on to thank God for the disciples and for the work that they have done. Jesus also prays that the disciples will be kept safe from the evil one.

In the middle of his prayer, Jesus makes a bold statement about his relationship with God. He says, “I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you.” This statement reveals that Jesus is aware of his impending death but is also confident that He will be reunited with God.

Jesus concludes his prayer by asking God to protect the disciples and keep them united. He prays they will be one, as He and the Father are one. This prayer is a powerful reminder of the importance of unity among believers. The prayer of Jesus in John 17:1–11 is a beautiful and moving expression of his love for his disciples and his desire for their well-being. This prayer is a source of comfort and hope for all believers and reminds us that we are never alone.

In addition to its theological significance, the prayer of Jesus has important implications for our lives. As believers, we must follow Jesus' example and pray for one another. We are also called to work for unity among believers, knowing that this is what Jesus desires for his church.

Let us pray to the Father in Heaven and the Holy Spirit to grant us the spirit and heart to treat one another without prejudice.