Jesus prayed, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.”   John 17:15

I know the Easter story well. I have read the accounts in the gospels many times. Basically, Jesus loved us, suffered for us, died for us and rose to make a place for us with God. This year, however, I saw in my reading one more amazing blessing: Jesus prayed for us. Tucked in the middle of the Easter story, in Luke 22:32, the Bible tells us that Jesus prayed for Simon Peter, “I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.” The 17th chapter of John’s Gospel gives us Jesus’ prayer that his disciples and all Christian believers be united as one in the loving family of God.  I had never thought before about Jesus praying for us. I know he prayed for his enemies to be forgiven. I know he prayed for his disciples. But I am humbled to think that Jesus prayed for me to stay strong in my faith. Jesus Christ, our advocate, prays for us to make wise choices. Not only did Jesus die so our sins would be forgiven; he also prayed for us to withstand the enticements that can lead us into sin. We who follow Christ are truly blessed.

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your love and your prayers, and for giving your life for our sins. Even when we feel unworthy, help us to remember that through you we are beloved members of God’s family. Amen.