email : Webview : Duane Brooks - Every Day with Jesus

September 6, 2021

John 17:9

I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.

New International Version (NIV)

In seminary I studied with and worked for a distinguished Christian gentleman named Virtus Gideon. I have his commentary on the gospel of Luke on my shelf. One reason I love preaching and teaching out at Paisano is because Virtus used to teach the Bible study there also. He is in the book about Paisano written by Katie Stokes. But mostly what I remember about Virtus is the depth of his prayers. I can still hear his resonant voice speaking to God with a profound reverence lifting his students up to the Father in prayer. What would I give to hear him pray again.

Jesus prayed. We know that because his disciples asked him to teach them to pray. In addition, John wrote down one of Jesus’ prayers. Once I wondered if John had his quill and parchment to transcribe Jesus’ high priestly prayer for his followers. Remember though. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would bring to the disciples’ minds everything he had done and spoken. So John wrote it down. Just before he was arrested, Jesus prayed that night for the Father to protect his disciples. Then he prayed that they would be united. Finally, Jesus prayed not only for the ones who were with him that night but for all who would come to know him through their witness.

My friends in Bulgaria pray for me and I for them. We had a conversation together about prayer recently. As we dialogued I remembered that the Holy Spirit prays for us. Hebrews tells us that Jesus ever lives to intercede for us. Scottish Pastor Robert Murray McCheyne said, “You are who you are on your knees and nothing more.” Who was Jesus? Who are we? McCheyne expressed my feelings when he wrote, “If I could hear Jesus in the next room praying for me I would fear nothing in the world. The distance makes no difference. He is praying for me.” Someday we will hear his voice. But for now, it is enough for us to know that He is praying for us at the right hand of the Father.

Pray with me:
Father, we thank you for all those who pray for us today. Family members and church members pray for us when we are completely unaware. We stand in the shelter of each other’s prayers. Thank you also that your Spirit intercedes for us with wordless groans. This enables us to endure as we groan with all creation. Most of all thank you for Jesus who prayed for us in the garden and prays for us in heaven. We stand in this strength today: Somebody is praying for us right now. His name is Jesus. We pray in his name. Amen.

Scripture memorization for this week:

Luke 23:34

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

John 17:3

Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

New International Version (NIV)

Our 2021 Every Day with Jesus readings will follow the Foundations Bible reading plan. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy here:

2021 Reading Plan

We would love for you to join us as we read through the Bible in one year, while still having the flexibility of reading 5 days per week. In addition, I will continue my long-standing practice of reading one Psalm a day through the year. We will also memorize 2 scriptures each week. As we journal together this year, Robby Gallaty’s H.E.A.R. plan is a good resource: Highlight a verse that stands out to you, Explain what it means, Apply that truth to your life and Respond to what you’ve read with an action or prayer.

Joyfully,
Duane

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