In John’s Gospel, chapter 17, Jesus prays for you and for me. And in this tender, intimate prayer, He says two things that jar my heart about how Jesus talks to His Father about His disciples: “…they obeyed Your Word…and I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them…”
John 17:6 & 8.
These words of Jesus jar my heart because I have not always obeyed the Word of God, nor have I always accepted the Words god gave to me.
Instead, I have fallen short of the glory of God (see Romans 3:23-24) and I know that the good does not dwell within me, that is, in my flesh. For the desire to do the good lies close at hand, but not the ability. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do (see Romans 7:18-19).
So here I stand on the last day of 2023, and this is my prayer.
Lord, forgive me, for I am not worthy to receive You into my heart and soul.
I am not worthy of Your mercy and love.
But just say the Word, and my soul may be healed.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner!
In Your Name I pray, Amen.
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