Jesus' high priestly prayer is recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John's Gospel. Today we read verses 20-26 of this passage in which John gives us an intimate look into the tender love of Jesus: "I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one." (John 17:20-21a)
We remember that Jesus had told his disciples that he had come from the Father and that he was going to the Father. Jesus was on his way to the cross. John's Gospel puts this prayer just before Jesus' prayer and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.
We remember that Jesus had told his disciples that he had come from the Father and that he was going to the Father. Jesus was on his way to the cross. John's Gospel puts this prayer just before Jesus' prayer and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Some time ago I wrote a poem which summarizes this chapter, and in particular the verses for today:
The Hour Has Come
Linda McCloud+
Father, the hour has come
to glorify your son
I've glorified you here on earth
and taught my chosen ones.
I pray for all of these
that you have given me.
For they have understood my words
and have believed in me
I'm coming home -- coming home at last.
And for these chosen ones -- I pray on their behalf:
Do not take them from the world.
Just keep them from its grasp.
I'm coming home -- coming home at last.
For those who will believe
and who are yet to come
I pray that they will know your love
that they may be as one.
Do not take them from the world.
Just keep them from its grasp.
I'm coming home -- coming home at last.
Just keep them from its grasp.
I'm coming home -- coming home at last.
In peace,
Linda +
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Founding Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
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