Welcome to the Prayers of Rest podcast. I'm your host, Ashrida Chuchu, and I'll be leading you in prayer using a simple guided format to help you slow down and hear God's voice.

As we begin, find a quiet place where you won't be interrupted,

and take a deep breath as we become aware of God's loving presence,

around us and within us.

Today's reading comes from John chapter 17, verse 24.

Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am.

Let's begin by reciting God's goodness, praising him for who he is as revealed in this short passage.

Oh, Jesus, as we think about your love, it's so overwhelming that even on the last night, your crucifixion facing betrayal and torture

and execution you took time to pray for me you took time to pray for us for those who would

come to believe in you.

We see here just how much you long for all your children to be with you.

That is why you face down the cross.

It's because your desire to spend eternity together with us.

So in these next few moments, thank Him, thank Jesus for his great love, and how you've seen His love and His goodness in your own life even just in the past few days.

You know, Let's continue now by expressing our neediness.

Jesus, as we meditate on this short part of your prayer, just your longing for your bride,

you're longing for those who are your own to be together.

And so we ask God, would you stir in us a deeper love for you, a deeper desire to be with you,

a deeper delight in you, and not just someday in eternity, but here and now while we await

your return, would you give us a foretaste of that delight of being with you?

Because you've placed your own spirit in us, we are not alone.

So in these next few moments, express your desire to Jesus, whether it's great or small, and ask him to grow in you a greater desire and delight to be with him. I'm Let's move now into a time of seeking his stillness.

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