“‘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.’”
John 17:24
My conversion while incarcerated changed my whole life. I walked away from a gospel outreach meeting in jail a completely different man that day. Back in my cell, I was reeling from what had just happened. It was then that I realized there was one book placed in my small room: the New Testament! Praise God for the organization providing Bibles in jails and prisons!
All alone, I began to read the gospel of John.
I could hear Jesus speaking directly to me through every word. I felt His presence within me and all around me, even in lock-up.
John 17 records a beautiful prayer of Jesus for all who will believe in Him, that they would be unified with Him and the Father, and with one another. As I read that prayer for the first time, it struck me that Jesus was praying for me, and I was not abandoned in my cell. I often return to this John 17 prayer when I am struggling internally with feelings of being far from the Lord. There I find great comfort and renewed assurance. Turn to Jesus’ prayer; He had you in mind when He first uttered it!
All alone, I began to read the gospel of John.
I could hear Jesus speaking directly to me through every word. I felt His presence within me and all around me, even in lock-up.
John 17 records a beautiful prayer of Jesus for all who will believe in Him, that they would be unified with Him and the Father, and with one another. As I read that prayer for the first time, it struck me that Jesus was praying for me, and I was not abandoned in my cell. I often return to this John 17 prayer when I am struggling internally with feelings of being far from the Lord. There I find great comfort and renewed assurance. Turn to Jesus’ prayer; He had you in mind when He first uttered it!
Scripture Focus
John 17:20-26
Insight
In our lowest times, we can look to Jesus’ prayer for us and find deep comfort knowing that what He prays for always comes to pass.
Bible In A Year
- Exodus 17-18
- Psalm 34
- Mark 14