Wednesday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (Collect for Purity)

Almighty God: to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of my heart through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that I may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ my Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – John 17:13-26 (NLT)

The Prayer of Jesus (Continued)

“Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.

“I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!

“O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.”
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Morning Reflection:

What makes us different?

“I’m not asking you to take them out of the world,
but to keep them safe from the evil one.
They do not belong to this world any more than I do.” – John 17:15-16

Jesus lived in the world, but he did not belong to the world. And all who believe in him are called to do the same – to live counter-culturally in a world dominated by the evil one.

So what makes us different? How can we live God-shaped lives? Jesus gives us some markers –

+ We are born again – Jesus forgives us and sets us free; the world remains shackled to sin and death. (3:1-8)

+ We find true joy in holy living – Jesus offers fullness of joy forever; the world offers fun for the moment. (17:13)

+ We are made holy by Jesus’ sacrifice – the Truth of God’s Word is changing us: the world says all truth is relative, do what you want. (17:14, 19)

+ We realize that we are living in enemy territory – Jesus expects us to tell the Truth, the world views us as enemy combatants. (17:15)

“I am praying not only for these disciples
but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.”
– John 17:20

Questions for consideration:

• Are you “born again”? Please explain. If you’re not sure, visit this website – PeaceWithGod.net for an explanation.
• Jesus calls us to live in the world without belonging to the world? How does that play out in your life? What challenges do you face personally? Please explain.
• What gives you joy? How do you have fun? What’s the difference? Please explain.
• How has Jesus changed your thinking, your feelings, and/or your lifestyle? Where do you still need work? Please explain.
• Can you think of someone that you know who needs to hear the good news of Jesus? Pray for them, and ask God to prepare the way for you to tell them the Truth about Jesus.

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Morning Prayer:

Heavenly Father: Thank you for claiming me as your own through faith in your Son, Jesus Christ. Continue the good work you have already begun in me – to make me more like Jesus – that my life may be added to his win column, and that I may live in his love forever. All to the glory of your name. Amen.
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“Yours” – ENCS Music, Singapore

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen