Jesus tells His disciples “all authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” He also said He would be with them (us) until “the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) He explains that our oneness with Him fuels our faith, and allows us to do good in His name and His power.
“In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world. I’m setting myself apart for their sakes, so they’ll be set apart in their mission of truth. I’m praying not only for them but also for those who will believe in Me because of them and their words about me. The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind, just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, so they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world may believe that you, in fact, sent me.” – John 17:18-21
In considering the books of John, the disciple of Jesus, we have determined that his focus was on what he had learned from Jesus about connectivity. With His Father. With His disciples. With His Spirit. The passage above is from Jesus’ powerful prayer to His Father on behalf of His disciples in John 17. It is deep. It is expansive. This prayer is heart-changing!
When praying for ourselves, those we disciple, and Jesus’ disciples across the world, we have put together some ideas for praying for the Kingdom Church – the Bride who is being purified for marriage with Christ. What resonates with you? What would you add to expand this? How connected do you feel with your King?
√ Jesus is our Rescuer (Luke 19:10). We lift up Creator God Who is our rescuer.
√ Jesus is our Teacher (John 8:31,32). We are followers of the teaching of Jesus and His Father.
√ Jesus is our Healer (John 7:38; Luke 23:43). We are blessed with the healing of Jesus for our past, present, and future.
√ Jesus is our Comforter and Guide (John 14:18-24). We grow in the comfort of the Spirit toward a free conscience.
√ Jesus is the Head of His Church (Revelation 21:1). We pray for bending to our King for Kingdom workers around the world.
The church is not merely a place we go – it is who we are.
Father God, make us alive to Isaiah 61:1-3!
The Spirit of the Lord God has anointed Me (Jesus):
√ To bring good news to the afflicted (poor in spirit)
√ Bind up the broken-hearted (those who mourn)
√ Release and freedom to captives
√ Recovery of sight to the blind
√ Set free the oppressed
√ Proclaim the coming of Lord God’s supremacy
“To bring these things to those who mourn (spiritual beggars/Matthew 5:1-4) among His people, giving them a beautiful identity instead of futility, the oil of joy instead of mourning, a covering of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. They will be called supports of righteousness, in the Lord’s garden, that He may be glorified.”
“Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” – Luke 4:14-21
Three keys to cultivating our personal connectivity with Jesus:
1. The Honor of giving Him preeminence in each of my days (Colossians 1:8)
2. Intentionality of becoming one who searches His Word (John 8:31-32)
3. Engage in building His Kingdom by making disciples (Matthew 28:18-20)
The King comes first!
Dave and Burnadette
More:
Connectivity
Kingdom Connection