Scripture: I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. (John 17:15-16)
“Doubtless Christians in John’s day were forced to ponder the implications of this prayer. So also were those who were contemplating the possibility of becoming Christians. The cosmic, spiritual nature of the conflict is laid bare. The followers of Jesus are permitted neither the luxury of compromise with a ‘world’ that is intrinsically evil and under the devil’s power, nor the safety of disengagement. But if the Christian pilgrimage is inherently perilous, the safety that only God himself can provide is assured, as certainly as the prayers of God’s own dear Son will be answered.” (D.A. Carson)
Prayer: Father, as we have received Jesus’ word that he is our Savior and that by his blood we are renamed from sin, so too let us have confidence in his prayers in our behalf. We pray along with him: keep us from the evil one, especially our missionaries, pastors, elders, deacons, and other ministers your church. Amen.