BIBLE
READING
PETITIONS
Praying for the Disciples
Read John 17:9–26
Verse 9: "I pray for them; I pray not for the world,
but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine."
What if you had a leader of a club who was more interested in
recruiting more new members than in giving his energy and time
to those who were already members? I think the club wouldn’t
grow too well because the members of the club would be so
unhappy that they would discourage any new members the leader
brought in. However, if the leader put his energies into making
the club the very best organization that it could be, don’t
you think that others would naturally want to be a part of it?
Jesus knew that He needed to pray for His disciples at this
point of His ministry. If they could fulfill what they were
called to do— becoming Christ–like—then the Holy Spirit
could use them to draw in the lost. Jesus knew that they needed
the most prayer at this time. They would not be able to keep
themselves from evil (v. 15) or become one with other disciples
(v. 21) unless they had much prayer.
The point is: Don’t forget to pray for other disciples that
they would remain faithful! If the disciples are faithful, then
Jesus will be lifted up, and the lost will be drawn in! "And
I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto
me" (John 12:32).
Make it a priority to pray for the disciples in your church,
school, work and in your family. Do not take it for granted that
they will always have the strength to do the right thing. Uphold
them in prayer. We, as Christ’s followers, are keys to
bringing in the lost.
