Jesus Prayed For Relationships

John 17:20-26 (NIV) "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 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. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one; 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. 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. Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." Shortly before the crucifixion, Jesus took time to pray to the Father. He knew his final hours were quickly approaching. He prayed for himself, He prayed for the disciples, and in this passage He prayed for all believers. As I have read these verses several times this morning, the central focus that keeps filling my mind is that Jesus had established loving relationships with His followers. His heart was so heavy, because He knew what was about to come. But Jesus carried a bigger burden for all of the people that they might share eternal glory with Him in heaven someday. Jesus came to earth to show us the way to salvation, and He is with us today. Jesus prayed for unity for all believers. The perfect unity with other believers that He prayed for, is only possible because we have a relationship with Jesus. The Father loved Him and He loved us, and prayed that the world would experience love, and unity, and the ultimate glory in heaven. Dear Friend, as we continue our quest to build stronger relationships with others this year, let us look to the perfect example of Jesus. He has shown us the way, and has established a solid foundation of God's love so many years ago. Will you follow His example to love and pray for others today? Blessings to You, Dave Henry