Jesus’ Prayer For Holy Living

My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. . . . They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.

John 17:9, 16-19

Jesus prayed these words the night of his arrest. As he faced his final days when he would suffer the most, Jesus’ concern was not for his own well-being but for his followers, whom he would leave behind. In front of his disciples, Jesus poured his heart out, praying for their holiness in a wicked world. Jesus’ prayer is for us as well. He longs for us to be his holy people in a culture that revels in sexual immorality, greed, and self-centeredness. These words were among the last things Jesus said to his disciples before leaving them, and they indicate how much Jesus prized the holiness of his disciples’ lives.

Make Jesus’ words your prayer. Pray that God will make you holy by teaching you his Word, so that you may bring honor to him.

• Dear Lord, make me holy by your truth; teach me your Word . . .