Sunday, May 22, 2011 - God's Prayer for Us

     You would think that in 2011, with cell phones, land lines, Skype, social networks, email, instant messaging, chat rooms, texting and Twitter, no one would ever feel disconnected or alone.  With a church for every taste in worship style, more variety in curriculum, Bible studies on every topic, and childcare for every meeting, you would think people would feel overwhelmed with support and nurture for their spiritual walks. So why is loneliness still a factor in our lives?  Oswald Chambers claims God uses seasons of loneliness, or the "solitary way," to answer Jesus' prayer for us found in John 17.

"My prayer is not for them alone.  I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You.  

May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me."  John 17:20-21

     How can God not answer His own prayer for us? He must and He uses our lonely moments and days to draw us to Him.  He knows we'll never choose the discipline of knowing Him on a deeper level as long as we have the option of settling for knowing other people in shallow ways.   

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, 

that He may lift you up in due time."

1 Peter 5:6

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life.  

No one comes to the Father except through Me." 

John 14:6

     The next time you're feeling a little lonely, whether in a crowd or by yourself, remember, "God will not leave us alone until we are one with Him, because Jesus has prayed that we may be." (Chambers)  

Father, You have purposes for everything You allow into our lives. You've called us to unity with You and with fellow believers. You prayed in human form for this ultimate answer to all our loneliness because You are Good (Why don't we try to know You better?), You are Love (Why do we make so much of lesser loves?) and You're interested in our eternal call (Why do we invest so much in what's temporary?)  Our choices don't make sense but You never leave us alone to figure it out for ourselves. Guide us to unity with You and with our brothers and sisters through worship today.

In the Name of Jesus, Whose prayer will be answered, must be answered


Inspired by My Utmost for His Highest and Jesus Calling
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