Devo John 17:20-26

20”My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me
through their message, 21that all of them may 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. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be
one as we are one: 23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete
unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you
have loved me. 24”Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where
I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me
before the creation of the world. 25”Righteous Father, though the world does
not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26I have made
you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love
you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

Meditation
1. Read the passage slowly, knowing that this is Jesus praying for me (“those
who will believe in me”). Read it again; substitute my name when it comes
to them or they. If needed, read it one more time.
2. What am I most excited about Jesus praying for me or saying about me?
Why?
3. Thank Jesus for praying for me. Talk to him about the prayer phrases I found
most meaningful. Pray Jesus’ prayer for his followers alive today in the world.
4. Walk around today with the sense that Jesus is in me and that this was
always his plan – to be in me.

Personal Note:
Jesus prays for me all the time.  He prayed this prayer before his death and resurrection.  He is praying for me in the midst of all my joy and sorrow.

Romans 15:1-5

 1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please
ourselves. 2Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
3For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those
who insult you have fallen on me.” 4For everything that was written in the past
was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the
Scriptures we might have hope.
 5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity
among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth
you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Meditation
1. Paul specifies that we are to help others in areas where we are strong and able in the faith.
2. Recall the people who have stepped in and built me up, even if I don’t
remember the specific details.  Thank God for these people.
3. What are some areas in which I have received training, direction, or guidance?
What are some of my natural gifts and strengths?  Who do I know that are in
need that I can lend a helping hand?

Personal Note:
I thank God for the leaders in PGC (Ken, Cecil, Rev. Siu, and many others) for their training, direction, and guidance.  I believe my natural gift is small group discipleship and personal care.  I believe that there is a need for guidance and direction for young people spiritually.  I am strong only when I submit myself to the power of the Lord.