4-01-2023 7:16pm

Strong spirits: what Jesus prayed for

Public Domain

Did you know that the Bible tells us that Jesus is praying for us all the time? Is that amazing or what?

John the apostle recorded some of Jesus' prayers the night before he went to the cross and his death. He prayed for himself, knowing what he was facing. He prayed for the disciples, knowing what they would be facing. And finally, he prayed for us! I find that so amazing. What did he pray for us?

"... that all of them would be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." (John 17:21)

Of all the things he might have prayed, he prayed that we would be one. He knew how much we would need each other. The YMCA chose this verse as their theme verse. It is still a central part of our mission.

Let's pray with him that the things that divide us would end... that we will be one.

Besides serving as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church, Gary Schwerin is the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.