I will finally admit this, at least to the world of Facebook and anyone reading this blog: My parents are cool...for at least a few reasons. Today is their 33rd wedding anniversary (Yay--that's one!). Another reason (and perhaps part of why they've stayed together that long!) is because they believe in the power of prayer.
How do I know this? Well, there are lots of reasons, actually. But one way I know it's true is because of the names on their refrigerator--my parents pray for people they don't actually know.
Yes, they prayed for me and my sisters before we were ever born. They've prayed for my husband (probably about that same length of time!)--one of the most amazing guys on this planet!--who still remains a bit of a mystery to all of us. And I'm sure they've prayed for their grandkids already (yeah, there aren't any of those yet either). None of those names are on the fridge list, though.
The names on their fridge rotate periodically--when they hear about an extended family member who is addicted to drugs, for example. Or when a friend-of-a-friend is in a car accident. Or when someone they met in the church parking lot is struggling with MS. My parents don't actually know a lot of the people listed on their fridge. But these are the names and situations they think about each time they get a cup of water, reach for some blueberries or grab the milk.
Do you know that someone prayed for you before you were born?
Maybe it wasn't your mom, dad or grandma. But guess what? Jesus did...in the passage we read today.
Take a look (the parentheses are mine...hopefully that's kind of obvious) :)
I'm praying not only for them (the disciples)
But also for those who will believe in me (umm...this could include you!)
Because of them and their witness about me.
The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—
Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
So they might be one heart and mind with us.
Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me.
The same glory you gave me, I gave them,
So they'll be as unified and together as we are—
I in them and you in me.
Then they'll be mature in this oneness,
and give the godless world evidence
That you've sent me and loved them
In the same way you've loved me.
There you go...Jesus prayed that you would be "one heart and mind" with Him and with other people who believe in Him, too. Even more amazing? He said that the same glory God gave Him was given to us. Holy cow! He prayed that love and unity would bind us together--and that love and unity would show people that God is real. Your name may not have been on Jesus' fridge, but it was always on His heart...and it's on mine, too...at this very second.
Tomorrow: John 19-21
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