Today's Verse: John 17:15

Friday, July 14, 1961

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus, in showing his love and care for his disciples in prayer right before his Passion, is our great example of how we can and must pray for God's spiritual protection over those we love. The Lord Jesus knew what would happen to him, yet chose to pray for them rather than focusing on himself. Praying for them was that important to the Lord! His disciples could not leave the world and still serve the world and reach the lost with God's grace. So, Jesus prayed protection over them and for them. Jesus' example is our command to pray for God to protect his disciples from the evil one (Matthew 6:13). The apostle Paul reminds us:
The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
We need to pray following the Lord's example!

My Prayer...

Loving and Tender Shepherd, the great Guardian of the Flock, please physically and spiritually protect your people from evil and the evil one. We trust in your faithfulness to strengthen and protect them. In the name of Jesus and following his example, we offer ourselves and our prayers to you. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

9 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of John 17:15 — My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, July 14, 1961

A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
"[Peter's sermon on Pentecost led the people to ask what they should do.] Peter replied, "Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be...."
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
"Dear Father, Keep me and all who are related to me from any hint of hatred toward Israel, your ancient people. Let us love them and pray for their..."
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
"Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise...."
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
"As an encouragement cheerfully to offer intercessory prayer, remember that such prayer is the sweetest God ever hears, for the prayer of Christ is of...."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.