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“That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me”
(John 17:21 KJV).

Jesus prayed for “oneness. Jesus wanted His people unified. Why? He said, “That they also may be one . . . (so) that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” Jesus knew that His gospel would spread, and many would believe, and His church would grow if His disciples were together in heart and purpose. He also knew that adversity would come to divide and conquer and scatter and discourage them. So, He prayed for “oneness.” “Our Lord’s heart-cry was, “Father . . . as thou art in me, and I in thee, Father . . . that they also may be one in us.” “Oneness” gives strength. “Oneness” gives focus. “Oneness” gives assurance. “Oneness” is God’s will.

The First Church grew with a program of “Oneness” and prayer. Those first Christians found power and continuous revival through this concept of unification. The Bible says, “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication with the women; and Mary, the mother of Jesus; and with His brethren” (Acts 1:14). “Oneness.” No one was left out. The Holy Spirit empowered the church, and three thousand souls were saved (Acts 2:41). Then, following this “oneness” concept, “They continued daily with one accord . . . singleness of heart . . . and the Lord added to the church” (Acts 2:46-46). When persecution came, what happened? Again, “Oneness.” “They lifted up their voices to God with one accord” (Acts 4:24). What was the result? “When they had prayed . . . they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31).

The Jerusalem church could not be stopped. “The multitude of them that believed were of one heart, and of one soul . . . and with great power gave the Apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all” (Acts 4:32-33). No wonder Jesus prayed for unity. After all, what is prayer but unity? It is one Christian heart reaching for the heart of God. Prayer is God’s child, through faith and the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and the intercession of Jesus striving with fervency to find “oneness” with the Father’s will. And “oneness” with God is found through prayer. Nothing else will draw us close enough. Prayer is greater than any program, process, plan, idea, or concept. Prayer reaches the throne room of God. So, let us pray as Jesus did . . . for unity. For “oneness.” “Father . . . that they may be one.”

God bless you!

Dr. B. L. Worsham

Prayer Coordinator, SJBA

(Taken from a compilation of “The Priority of Prayer” articles.)

Join us for our next Prayer Gathering on Thursday, November 16, at 9:00 a.m. at San Jacinto Baptist Association, 1020 Birdsong Dr, Baytown TX. In-person or via Zoom or telephone. Call the SJBA office at 281-422-3604 for more information.