John 17:20-26 (NRSV)
20 “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one. As you, Father, 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 The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24 Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

25 “Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

Reflection:

This is part of a prayer found in John 17. A prayer that Jesus is not only speaking over the disciples but over all of us, inviting us into oneness with him in his kingdom and glory. Can you hear him? This devotional will be different than the usual written one. It will be a “breath prayer”. Breath prayer is an ancient Christian prayer practice dating back to at least the sixth century. This practice has saved me in so many ways.

I invite you to read each of these sentences, taken from this scripture, then close your eyes and take a deep breath.

Listen for the voice of Jesus…

  • Father, I lift up these disciples and all who I love. (Breathe & pause)
  • May we all be one with You, God. (Breathe & pause)
  • You are in me. I am in You. We are one. (Breathe & pause)
  • May the world know Me because of the love you share. (Breathe & pause)
  • I pray that those who are sitting with me now see my glory. (Breathe & pause)
  • I know You, God. We know You. We love You. (Breathe & pause)

Closing Prayer:
I love you, God. (Breathe & pause) Amen.