TODAY’S WORD…

“Father, I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those You have given me, for they are Yours. All I have is Yours…

…Father, protect them by the power of Your Name… While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe… My prayer is not that You take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one. Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.

I have made You known to them, and will continue to make You known in order that the love You have for me may be in them…”

– John 17:9-12,15,17,26

REFLECTION…*

These verses from John Chapter 17, are from Jesus’ profound prayer to the Father for His Disciples and for all believers. Jesus always taught His Disciples how to pray, and if we listen to His loving prayer for them, we learn – from Him – how to pray for our children and grandchildren.

In today’s world, we parents and grandparents are so concerned about the spiritual health of our dearest ones. We fear for their soul because it is a world that seems intent on wrenching it away from its Maker. But, if we have God in us, and we truly know Him, then we must not be anxious, but we must pray…as Jesus did.

So, carry on taking Christ to your loved ones, through all you say and do, let your love be a reflection of Christ’s love for you. Constantly teach them, especially through example, the true Christian values…and pray, pray, pray for them. Entrust your loved ones to the Father, and pray constantly for them…and He will do the rest.

PRAYER… *

Father, I pray for my children and grandchildren.

I am not praying for the world,

but for those You have given me, for they are Yours.

All I have is Yours.

Father, protect them by the power of Your Name.

While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe.

My prayer is not that You take them out of the world

but that You protect them from the evil one.

Sanctify them by the Truth; Your Word is Truth.

I have made You known to them,

and will continue to make You known

in order that the love You have for me may be in them.

This I pray in Jesus’ holy Name. Amen

[*Today’s thought and prayer were inspired by a dear friend, Fritz Mascarenhas, who marvels at the depth and intensity and beauty of Jesus’ prayer to the Father in John 17, and how it can be a perfect prayer for us parents and grandparents, who are so concerned about the spiritual welfare of our loved ones as they go about their lives in today’s seemingly God-less world…]