Day 12 Praying Our Way to Pentecost

DAY 12
Thursday, May 12, 2022

John 17:15
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.

​Scripture Insights
At times the world seems to have gone mad. Most of us would rather be transported out of it. “Beam us up, Jesus,” would be our prayer. The disciples probably had similar thoughts. Jesus made some pretty awful predictions about what would be ahead for them: others will try to kill you, you will weep and mourn while others rejoice, you will be filled with grief, the world will hate you, and so on. These all sound like things sensible people would want to escape. Who wouldn’t? The disciples were about to experience that “dark night of the soul.”
Jesus, knowing this, doesn’t pray that they would escape from it but that his Father would protect them in it. This reminds me of when I was a passenger in a van that rolled over three times while traveling eighty miles per hour. I was sure I was about to die. When the dust settled, I walked out unharmed. I think this is what Jesus is asking the Father: when the dust settles, let them walk out unharmed.

Today’s Prayer
Father, remind us today that Jesus asked you to protect us from the one who seeks to kill us, steal from us, and destroy us. Quiet our hearts in the midst of turmoil, and speak what you wish to say to your church.

Prayer Journal Reflections
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today about the Lord’s protection, direction, and revelation for your life and the life of the church?
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—Mark Bane, Director, Evangelism and New Church Development