This post is part of a 40-day journey following Jesus in his prayer life. We’ll explore virtually every reference in the Gospels to Jesus and prayer. For a more in-depth treatment, see my book Prayers from the Pit.
“I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled” (Jn. 17:9-12 ESV).
These lines are part-one of a three-part prayer which Jesus lifts on behalf of his disciples. In these lines Jesus mentions his ministry to his followers (“I have kept them in your name“). In prayer he now asks the Father to take over (“keep them in your name“). While the disciples trained for their mission, Jesus kept them. He guarded them. He protected them. Now, as the disciples launch out on their mission, Jesus asks the Father to keep them. Guard them. Protect them. Jesus places his team in the protective charge of the Father so they may engage fully in ministry.
Jesus has asked the Father to keep you as well. While you dedicate yourself to living and speaking the gospel today, Jesus is praying for the Father to keep, guard and protect you. Rejoice in this. Let this fact embolden you.
And, consider the names of others who are involved in Christian ministry, charity or education. Consider those who are pastors or preachers. Consider those who lead Christian non-profits or para-church organizations. Spend this day in prayer for them, asking the Father to keep them, protect them, and guard them.
