Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotional for today is provided by Doug Tritton.  Doug, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, is currently pursuing a M.Div. at Gordon Conwell Seminary while working fulltime.  He is married to Cindy and they serve at Symphony Church in Boston.  (Also, they just became parents!  Congratulations!)

Devotional Thought for Today

John 17:9-11

“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.”

When I was in college, I went on a summer missions trip to Uganda. While there, there was a time when I was feeling a little down, and I came across one of the notes a prayer partner wrote for me. While reading this note, I felt God tell me that there were people praying for me. This lifted my spirits greatly, and in that moment, I knew that there really was power in prayer. When people pray for you, you are changed. Prayer has power and it does make a difference.

Looking at this passage for today, we see that Jesus is praying for us. Isn’t that astonishing?! The Lord of the universe, the One who created everything, prays for us. He says He is praying for those whom the Father has given to Him, meaning those who believe in Him. And what does He ask in His prayer? He prays for us to be kept in the Father’s Name—basically, to be kept in faith.

As I said before, there is power in prayer and it does make a difference in our lives. And how much more when Jesus prays for us! In this passage when Jesus was praying, He knew us, He knew you; He knew who the Father would bring to Him. And He prayed for us to be kept in His name. How amazing is that! When you are feeling weak in your faith or unsure of your salvation, remember that Jesus prayed and is praying for you. He is interceding on your behalf because He wants you to remain in His Name. Let the prayer of Jesus give you strength in times of weakness!

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for being the One who intercedes for me. Without You, I would lose strength, lose heart, but I know You are the One holding me close. Help me to keep abiding in You, to not let go. Give me strength to keep running after You.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Corinthians 12-13