Jesus’ Prayer For The Protection Of His People

My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.

John 17:9-12

Just before Jesus was arrested by Roman soldiers, he took time to pray for his followers. He asked his Father to protect those for whom he would die the next day. Listen to Jesus’ words: “Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are.” Jesus’ prayer revealed the tenor of his heart—that he cares for his disciples and desires that they are protected.

Jesus cares for us, his followers today, just as much as he cared for his twelve disciples while he was here on earth. Meditate on how much Jesus cares for you, and ask him to help you live in peace with your Christian brothers and sisters.

• Dear Jesus, thank you for protecting me and caring for me . . .