Thursday 12th February
Quiet your heart and mind. Imagine going with Jesus to a quiet place. Humbly kneel at Jesus’ feet.
“Come and see what God has done, his awesomedeeds for mankind!
Psalm 66:5
Ponder: Jesus “took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them (Mark 10:16)." Imagine that you are one of those children.
Scripture
I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.
John 17:15-19
First, imagine Jesus is focusing on you, looking you right in the eye, and holding out a gift for you. Hear Him pray this over you. Read the blessing again slowly. What do you notice?
Jesus Is Praying for You
Jesus prayed for protection from evil (vv. 15-16)
The reality of living in this world confronts us daily. Our brokenness echoes when we see abuse of power, injustice, calamity, corruption, and blatant evil. Our hearts ache for an end to it all, and yet we remain here. Jesus, who could remove us from the world, instead prayed that the Father would keep us and protect us from the evil one. He knows exactly what we face. And He reminds us: “We are not of the world." That is deeply encouraging. This world is temporary; our true home and eternity are with Him. Protection does not mean escape from hardship but preservation in it, kept by God in the midst of it all.
Jesus prayed for sanctification in the truth (vv. 17, 19)
Our world is saturated with lies. Jesus’ prayer for our sanctification in the truth is profoundly relevant. God’s Word is truth, living, reliable, and timely. As we read and receive it, the Spirit uses the Word to renew our minds, reorient our desires, and correct the lies we have believed. In Christ’s self-giving (“I consecrate myself"), we are set apart to belong to God and to reflect his character.
Jesus prayed for our holy mission (v. 18)
“As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them." We are not spectators, but we are sent people. This mission takes shape in ordinary places, at home, at work, in our neighborhoods and classrooms, bearing witness to Jesus with integrity, love, and truth.
Even in education, we participate in God’s work of forming minds and hearts that know and love what is true.
Lord, thank You for seeing our need and keeping us from the evil one. Guard us moment by moment. Sanctify us by Your truth, Your Word is truth. And send us into Your holy mission with courage and compassion, to reach the nations through education. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Claudeene Blairee S. Acyatan, National Director, Philippines
Now ask God who you can pray this prayer for. Imagine them sitting on Jesus’ knee as you pray.
Kids’ Question: What is your reaction to Jesus’ prayer for you?
