Day 11: John 17:14-19

14 “I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.”

Prayer Lesson: Jesus’ prayer for His disciples was that God would protect them from the world and from Satan. If we are really living the life of a disciple, there will be a target on our back. We will face persecution. We need God’s strength to endure. The temptation is to just live like the world. That’s why Jesus also prayed that God would “sanctify them in the truth.” In other words, Jesus prayed that they would not compromise holiness in an unholy world. One of our greatest weapons against the enemy, and against our own sinful tendencies, is the power of prayer. Use it, and use it often.

Prayer for Today: Are you facing any persecution for your faith? How about some one you know? If so, pray for yourself or them. Is there any areas of compromise in your life? If so, ask God to forgive you and to give you the strength and courage to stand up for holiness.