I Have Sent Them Into The World

Prayer, in its most profound sense, serves as the vital conduit for deepening our relationship with God, fostering a cohesive unity among believers, and empowering us to fulfill our sacred mission of disseminating His truth throughout the world. It is far more than a ritualistic utterance; it is a serious and intimate act, a sacred dialogue that draws us closer to the divine. One of the most intimate moments we could ever be privy to is the private prayer and discussion between God and someone in the midst of mourning and pain. Through prayer, we not only communicate our deepest longings, gratitude, and supplications but also open ourselves to the transformative power of God’s presence, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our hearts and minds. This intimate connection, nurtured by sincere prayer, becomes the bedrock upon which a vibrant faith is built, enabling us to understand and embrace our purpose.

When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. 

6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 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. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 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. 

20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Jn 17:1–26.

The journey of faith is intrinsically linked to the intimacy we cultivate with God through prayer. Jesus Himself exemplified and emphasized the paramount importance of this personal and heartfelt communication with the Father. He often withdrew to solitary places to pray, demonstrating that such moments of quiet communion are essential for spiritual sustenance and clarity. By consistently engaging in prayer, we seek not only to speak to God but also to listen, allowing His wisdom to shape our perspectives and His peace to calm our spirits. This ongoing dialogue is crucial for understanding and aligning ourselves with His divine will, ensuring that our actions are rooted in a genuine connection with Him and are reflective of Jesus’ teachings, thereby equipping us to effectively carry out our mission in the world.

Furthermore, prayer acts as a powerful unifying force among believers. As individuals draw closer to God through their personal prayer lives, they simultaneously foster a collective spiritual intimacy. This shared pursuit of holiness and understanding, rooted in common faith and devotion, transcends social, political, and personal differences. When believers unite in prayer, they create a spiritual synergy that reflects the love and holiness of Jesus Christ. This unity is not merely an abstract ideal but a tangible demonstration of the Church’s collective faith and intimacy with the Father. It is this harmonious witness that powerfully testifies to the world of Jesus’ transformative power and love, becoming an essential element in effectively demonstrating His message and fulfilling His mission amidst the myriad challenges of the world.

The imperative to spread God’s truth is a mission that finds its strength and direction in prayer. To authentically fulfill this divine mandate, we must consciously align ourselves with the teachings of Jesus, embracing His example of love, compassion, and unwavering obedience to the Father’s will. Prayer provides the spiritual fortitude to act according to God’s plan, even when it requires stepping outside our comfort zones or confronting societal norms. It is through a life steeped in prayer that faith and love become the driving forces behind our actions, compelling us to engage in His mission with conviction and a commitment to personal sanctification. This dedication to reflecting His holiness in both word and deed is paramount to genuinely following Jesus.

Prayer is the indispensable thread that weaves together a profound personal relationship with God, a resilient unity among His followers, and the impactful fulfillment of our shared mission. It is through the serious and intimate act of prayer that we deepen our connection with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, gain clarity on our purpose, and find the strength to align with God’s will. As believers, when we collectively embrace prayer, we not only draw nearer to God but also to one another, creating a unified front that powerfully reflects Christ’s holiness and love to a world in need. Therefore, a commitment to fervent and consistent prayer is essential if we are to authentically live out our faith and effectively spread His enduring truth.