We call the “Our Father” The Lord’s Prayer. And rightly so, since it is the prayer that Jesus taught us to pray. But down through the ages, theologians have also thought of today’s Gospel reading from John 17 as The Lord’s Prayer. This is Jesus’ great prayer to the Father for unity among believers.
“Father, I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.” Amazing. Consider the fact that, at that moment, Jesus was praying for you!
Christian unity can seem like an elusive thing. So many people have varying beliefs about what following Christ really means. Doctrine and dogma do separate us. But when it boils right down, we must always remember that we have Christ in common. Jesus’ first and foremost message was one of love. There will come a time when all Christians are one. It may not be until Jesus returns. But in the meantime, we must always remember to keep His new commandment: love one another.
Father, teach us to be one. Help us to come together in the name of Jesus and show the world the love that He taught us. Amen.
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