A BEAUTIFUL BLESSING

Read John 17:13-26

Jesus prayed, “My prayer is not for [those you gave me] alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.”

~John 17:20~

At our wedding reception, a friend of my grandparents who had known me my whole life hugged me. She told me how proud my mother would have been of me. I appreciated that connection to the past — especially since my mother and grandparents were no longer living.

I was surprised, however, when her husband also hugged me and took my hand. I could not recall ever having a conversation with him, yet he said, “I’ve been praying for you since you were a little girl.” Nothing any guest had said to me was as meaningful as that. I had spent my life unaware of this man, yet he had cared enough to pray for me all this time. I was grateful for this beautiful blessing.

Before Jesus was betrayed and crucified, he prayed for us. First he prayed that his disciples would be protected in their faith and that they would be made holy. He entrusted God’s message to them to share with others as he had shared it with them. He then prayed for all who would believe because of their message. That’s us!

In the body of Christ, we are all family. We can show our love by praying for one another.

Today I will tell someone that I am praying for them.

Melinda VanRy(New York)

Heavenly Father, help us to see others through your eyes and with your love. Soften our hearts to the needs of others, and remind us to pray for them. Amen