Welcome to Day 17 of 21 Days of Prayer + Fasting 2024. To learn more or purchase a book, visit FoursquarePrayer.org.
Today’s Scripture
“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.”
—John 17:20-23 (NKJV)
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
—John 13:34-35 (NKJV)
Reflect on the Word
Have you heard the expression, “I like Jesus, but not the church”? This sentiment grieves the heart of Jesus because Jesus loves His church. He loves the broken, faulty, work-in-progress church. He allowed himself to be humiliated, beaten and murdered for it. He patiently loves His bride. In the same manner, He desires us to walk in unity, loving one another as He has loved us—even in the midst of this broken, faulty, work-in-progress world. Together, we can be grateful that God uses even our imperfections to reveal Himself to a world in need of His perfect love.
Prayer + Contemplation
- Jesus wants His disciples to live in such a way that the work of God is evident in them. How can you do this practically, every day?
- Pray for an outpouring of God’s unconditional love upon the church, so that we may be made complete and full as one.
- Ask God to help you develop relationships with people from other cultures as well as to create opportunity for cross-cultural fellowship.
Family moment: Unity sculptures
Read John 13:34-35. As followers of Jesus, we’re unified through God’s Spirit. Why is it sometimes hard to be unified with others? God knows it’s hard for us to get along with other people sometimes. Thankfully we have the gift and the power of the Holy Spirit to help us love all people, even when it’s hard. Practice unity as a family by gathering some modeling clay or dough and straws, and construct a creative sculpture where everyone builds an important part and all parts fit together. As you work, brainstorm ways your family can show God’s love to others in the week ahead.
