The Upper Room Devotion for Tuesday, July 25, 2023, was written by Julianis Ba'ez Pichardo of Dominican Republic.
Scripture
20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 25 “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me
John 17:20-25 NIV
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS
The globe in my office shows continents, countries, and names of cities around the world. Each day, I spin the globe gently. After a moment or two, I place my finger on the globe to stop the spinning. Then I pray for the people and current situation of the country where my finger is resting.
This practice has great meaning for me. It reminds me that intercessory prayer knows no boundaries. I pray to God for the salvation, spiritual renewal, and well-being of the people in the cities and countries whose names I barely know. It is my sincere belief that prayers offered to God from a humble heart extend far beyond this small Caribbean island were I live.
Praying for nations across the globe can transform societies, families, and individuals whose faces I can only imagine. John 17 describes Jesus' example of intercession for the people: "I pary for them"(v. 9). This is a simple yet powerful statement. If Jesus took time to pray for his followers and others, we can do the same.
Thought of the Day
Intercessory paryers bring us together.
Prayer
God of all nationis, thank you for your Son who tought us to pray. May we remain faithful in following his example to pray for one another. Amen.
- Julianis Ba'ez Pichardo