Friday, May 10 - John 17

JESUS PRAYS FOR YOU
   In verse 17, Jesus prays to His Father:   "My prayer is not for them alone (the disciples).  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."

   Twenty one centuries ago Jesus prayed the prayer, and in this last century, that prayer was answered as you and I came to know and believe in Jesus as our Savior.

   Jesus had us in mind even back then and continues to pray for us regularly.  As St. Paul says in Romans:  "Christ Jesus, who died -- more than that, who was raised to life -- is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."  (Romans 8:34)

   I think it also behooves us to consider future generations as we live out our faith in this world.  We should live in such a way that we not only remain faithful ourselves, but also do what we can to pass on our faith to the next generation -- and beyond.

   Do you pray for your children and grandchildren -- that they might have a deep faith in Christ?  Do you encourage them in their faith by taking advantage of teachable moments to share the Good News?   When an article about Christ is meaningful to you, do you consider passing it on to the ones you love?  Do you invite them to come to church with you whenever they visit?

   Obviously it is the work of God's Spirit to bring our loved ones to faith, but they will surely be blessed whenever we use our influence and prayers to encourage them as the Spirit moves in their hearts.