Tag Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – A New Way

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In June 1957, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in his essay called “The Power of Non-Violence,” shared that the idea of peaceful opposition didn’t make sense to many people. He wanted his sympathizers to understand the potential benefits of “attacking the evil system rather than individuals who happen to be caught up in the system.” King stood up for Christian ideals and went against popular opinion.

So Gideon took ten men of his servants and did as the Lord had told him.

Judges 6:27

In today’s passage, Gideon went against the accepted way of life as well. An angel of the Lord asked Gideon to tear down the altar to a false god. He complied, but when the village men awoke, they wanted to kill the party responsible. Worship of idols was the way of life for these people. But Gideon, by the Lord’s command, ushered in a new way – and honored the one true God in the process.

Christian ideals often go against society’s norms, but the benefits of living by such ideals are limitless. Stand firm in what you believe and point others to a new and better way of life with Jesus. Pray, too, for this nation’s citizens and its leaders to start 2015 worshipping the one true God.

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Avoid This List

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One of the ways you can be effective in 2015 is to embrace the use of lists. Want to accomplish your lifetime goals? List them. Complete your tasks for the day? Prepare a “To Do” list. Try to lose weight? It’s proven that when you list out everything you eat on a daily basis, you are more likely to slim down.

So it was not you who sent me here, but God.

Genesis 45:8

But there’s one list you should avoid at all costs: a list of enemies. Richard Nixon had a famed “enemies list,” and he pulled out all the stops to destroy each and every person on that list. But the enemies list destroyed only one person – Richard Nixon. The enemies made out just fine. Some of them even got book deals.

Consider Joseph in the Old Testament. Sold into slavery and sent to Egypt by his own brothers, he had every reason to live in bitterness and plot revenge. But when he had his opportunity to get even, he instead spoke the words of today’s verse to the very brothers who tried to destroy him. Begin this year by pledging, with God’s help, not to waste another moment fretting over the wrongs done to you…by personal friends or by politicians.

Recommended Reading: Romans 12:14-21

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Hang in There

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A famous poster features a cat hanging in a precarious position with the caption, “Hang in there, Friday’s coming!” That poster has been redone in many forms since its debut 40 years ago, using other cute animals from birds to orangutans. Believers in Christ need encouragement at one time or another, too. They need a poster that says, “Hang in there. Jesus is coming!”

Through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Romans 15:4

The first part of Romans 15 is a “hang in there” Scripture. Paul says God’s Word and perseverance combine to give you hope. He orders believers to help each other and be more concerned for others than themselves. He advises the church at Rome to accept each other and live in harmony.

The determination with which Christians study the Bible and treat each other with kindness will have a lot to do with how well they can “hang in there.” At this time of the year, you may be thinking of goals. Aim to be more considerate of the people the Lord has put in your life, praying for them – and for the leaders and citizens of this nation as well – to find their hope in God!

Recommended Reading: I John 4:7-19

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – First Priority

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Following a failure in parliament, William Wilberforce, a Christian statesman in Great Britain over a century ago, remarked on its possible cause. He said the problem may have been that he had not spent enough time in his private devotions earnestly seeking the will of God.

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

Mark 1:35

Jesus’ schedule was busy, but He made time with His Father the day’s first priority. Many distractions could have disrupted Him, but He avoided them by going to an isolated place so His attention could be fully focused. Jesus prayed. We know from other Bible verses that He prayed for Himself, but He also prayed for those closest to Him and their needs, and for the whole world to be filled with the knowledge of God.

In this New Year, use your devotional time to commune with the Lord, reading His Word and praying for others. Ask that those who know Him will be filled with His wisdom. Plead that the eyes of the nation’s leaders would be opened so they will come to a saving faith in Jesus.

Recommended Reading: John 17:6-21

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; – New Year Recipe

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Google the word “success” and you’ll quickly discover that people are interested in everything from how to be successful, to who is successful and why, to what it takes to realize one’s dreams. For many, success is an obsession.

For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8

What is the recipe for success as described in today’s verse? “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.” (Joshua 1:8) Psalm 1:3 describes the person who meditates on God’s Word as being “like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” Jesus (also known as The Word) says, “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.” (John 15:5)

In this New Year, delight in the Lord and mediate on the truth of the Bible. He’ll shape your desires according to His will and then grant them (Psalm 37:4, I John 5:14). Then pray that American citizens will turn to God as their source of genuine success.

Recommended Reading: I John 5:3-15

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Reflect and Resolve

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It’s that time of year when you are reminded of things great and small that happened in 2014 – and it has been some year: entertainers awarded, sports stars diminished, same-sex marriages legalized, violence in Ukraine and the Middle East, the rise of Isis…and even a young woman from “Duck Dynasty” sharing what Jesus means to her on Dancing With The Stars. Children were born, grandparents died, families fell and relationships were healed. Was God in all of it? Oh, yes!

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

Proverbs 16:3

Now you look forward with a combination of glee and trepidation to 2015. Maybe you’ve written resolutions. For this year, as you set forth your plans, follow the admonition of Scripture and commit those ideas and goals to the Lord. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” These are promises to grasp in the New Year.

While you plan for yourself and your family, resolve as well to intercede daily and more passionately than ever before for those in authority in America. You know they need it!

Recommended Reading: Proverbs 16:1-7

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Closing the Sale

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If you’ve ever visited an automobile dealership, you’ve probably experienced the excessively zealous car salesperson. Often these professionals are helpful to the point of being overbearing and, at times, can seem almost desperate to sell you a vehicle…right now. At any cost, they will endeavor to keep you on the premises until a decision is made.

And whether they hear or refuse to hear…they will know that a prophet has been among them.

Ezekiel 2:5

There’s a reason for that. At most dealerships, the sales associates work strictly on commission. They don’t get paid for explaining a car’s features or offering test drives. They get paid only if they close the sale. If you leave in the same car you came in, they lose.

Closing the sale is a tenant of capitalism, but not of Christianity. It’s God’s will that you be Christ-like and that you speak the truth in love, but “closing the sale” is up to the Holy Spirit. Scripture plainly states that some will hear and some will refuse to hear. As you intercede for America today, remember that God is working behind the scenes in ways you may not realize. In eternity, you will see that your faithfulness won victories that you couldn’t even have imagined!

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 11:29-40

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M.- Open Hands

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For almost half a century, Don Ritchie prevented approximately 160 people from jumping to their death. Ritchie would approach people contemplating suicide at the edge of The Gap, just 50 meters from his home in Watsons Bay in Sydney, New South Wales. With his palms facing up, he would say, “Is there something I could do to help you?” Often that was all that was needed to turn people around. His daughter, Sue Bereny, explained, “He would say not to underestimate the power of a kind word and a smile.”

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

Isaiah 60:1

Isaiah called on God’s people to be His light to those around them. Jesus now calls you to do the same. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father.”

As 2015 nears, open your hands and your heart and ask God for opportunities to serve others each day. One way is to intercede for your local and national leaders. Pray, too, that God would use you to be a lifesaver to those near you who are surrounded by despair. Share His joy and kindness. As you do, Jesus will be gloriously reflected through you.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 5:8-14

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Staying Focused

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The movie Chariots of Fire is the story of Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell, two British runners who compete in the 1924 Summer Olympics. Early in the film, Abrahams loses a race to Liddell. His coach tells him he lost the race because he lost focus. He turned to look at the competition and it distracted him from his purpose.

This persuasion is not from Him who calls you.

Galatians 5:8

In the verses leading up to today’s scripture, Paul tells the Galatians the same thing. “You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?” (Galatians 5:7) False teachers were distracting the Galatians. They were placing emphasis on the law instead of grace. Paul reminded them this tangent was not from God, who called them to His purposes, but from the enemy.

God has a plan for you as well, but Satan will use distractions to keep you from His calling. Pray today for the Holy Spirit to help you remain focused on His truth and on your purposes in Him. Pray also for the nation’s leaders to seek God’s will for the country, and to desire to please Him rather than man.

Recommended Reading: Galatians 1:6-10

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Whiter than Snow

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Most people remember the story of Satan accusing Job. But you may not recall Satan doing the same thing to Joshua the High Priest. Instead of allowing Satan to touch Joshua, like He did with Job, the Lord rebuked Satan. Joshua was then given clean clothes and all his sins were forgiven.

Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.

Zechariah 3:4

Satan still accuses God’s people, but he will be thrown down (Revelation 12:10). Satan is like a roaring lion (I Peter 5:8), but God restores, confirms, strengthens and establishes those in Christ. If those in God resist Satan, he will flee (James 4:7). The Holy Spirit in you is greater than Satan (I John 4:4). Jesus intercedes (Hebrews 7:25). God forgives those who are repentant (I John 1:9).

Many problems face the people and leaders of this country, but their greatest need is to seek forgiveness and turn to the Lord. Ask your Heavenly Father to send a spiritual revival to this nation. God is able to “remove the iniquity of this land in a single day.” (Zechariah 3:9)

Recommended Reading: Acts 26:12-18

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Best Laid Plans

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In 1937, John Steinbeck wrote Of Mice and Men. The title came from the poem To a Mouse, written by Robert Burns in 1786. The line “the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry” was Steinbeck’s inspiration. It is said Burns composed his poem after finding a mouse nest overturned while plowing a field. Despite the mouse’s idea that its home was in a protected place, things didn’t go as planned. The same theme is played out for the characters in Steinbeck’s novel.

Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”

James 4:15

Today’s verse explains how plans should be made. James teaches that you do not know what tomorrow will bring. Plans made by men are superseded by God’s purposes (Proverbs 19:21).When deciding what you will undertake, whether it be for ordinary everyday events or for life’s larger goals, don’t lean on your own abilities and understanding. Instead, keep your focus on God’s will so your endeavors will be successful.

As you look ahead to this final week of 2014 and into the New Year, take time to pray particularly that you’ll be more sensitive to His ways and plans for you. Seek His guidance and rely upon it (Proverbs 3:5), then intercede for the nation’s leaders to do the same.

Recommended Reading: Lamentations 3:25-27, 37-41

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – MERRY CHRISTMAS Your Gift to Jesus

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Prior to Christmas, parents often receive lists of what their kids want to see under the tree. And most of the time, out of love, parents try to grant their wishes. Since Christmas is actually a time to celebrate the birth of Christ, you may wonder what He wants as a gift.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

I Thessalonians 5:18

I Thessalonians 5:12-22 lists gifts that would please Christ. 1. Respect those who labor among you, esteeming them highly in love. 2. Get along with each other. 3. Encourage the fainthearted. 4. Patiently help the weak. 5. See that no one seeks revenge. 6. Seek to do good to everyone. 7. Rejoice always. 8. Pray without ceasing. 9. Do not quench the Spirit. 10. Hold fast to what is good. 11. Abstain from every form of evil. Finally, there’s the exhortation of today’s verse.

In the next few days, beside each item on “God’s wish list,” write a practical thing you can do in 2015. (You’ll find another “wish list” in the recommended reading.) Begin on this Christmas Day by praying for the nation to yield to His will and purpose.

Recommended Reading: I Thessalonians 4:1-12

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – No White Elephants

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Legend says actual white elephants were beautiful but expensive and impractical. Owning one would often cause a person to go broke.

But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.

II Timothy 2:16

Many families, friends and co-workers have parties this time of year where they exchange a “white elephant” gift. One brings an unwanted present wrapped in beautiful paper, packages and bows to look appealing. Individuals draw numbers and select a gift to unwrap. Laughter is a certain result when the contents are revealed.

Today’s verse refers to false prophets who are “white elephants” of a sort. What they say might sound pleasing but will cause a spiritual bankruptcy by leading people into ungodly living. Everywhere you look, people are being led astray. As you gather with family and friends this Christmas Eve, focus on the true meaning of the season. Read the story of Jesus’ birth. In a society that says love equals expensive gifts, ask God to help you and your family to recognize His truth. Pray for the nation to stop tomorrow and acknowledge the Savior of the world. He is the perfect gift!

Recommended Reading: Luke 2:1-12

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Commander in Chief Comeback

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People like to talk about the good old days, but they typically don’t bring presidents back. Only one chief executive has ever been returned to the White House after having previously been defeated: Grover Cleveland was both the twenty-second and twenty-fourth President of the United States. One person who anticipated this turnaround was Grover’s wife, Frances. As the Clevelands vacated the White House after losing the 1888 election, Frances instructed a staff member to “take good care of all the furniture and ornaments in the house…we are coming back four years from today!”

Jerusalem remembers…all the precious things that were hers from days of old.

Lamentations 1:7

When Jerusalem was overrun by her enemies – the result of disobedience to God’s direction – her citizens desperately wanted things to go back to the way they were in the days of old. You may be feeling much the same way as you consider the myriad of ways in which Americans and their leaders have slipped away from truth. But it’s not too late! The Lord is patient and anxious for His people to call His name once again.

As you pray today, ask God to bring your nation back to His “precious things.”

Recommended Reading: II Chronicles 15:1-7

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – Plenteous redemption

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“With him is plenteous redemption.” Psalm 130:7

Suggested Further Reading: Galatians 4:1-7

This “plenteous redemption” is plenteous, because it is enough for all the distresses of the saints. Your wants are almost infinite; but this atonement is quite so. Your troubles are almost unutterable; but this atonement is quite unutterable. Your needs you can scarce tell; but this redemption I know you cannot tell. Believe, then, that it is “plenteous redemption.” O believing sinner, what a sweet comfort it is for you, that there is “plenteous redemption,” and that you have a lot in it. You will most certainly be brought safely home, by Jesus’ grace. Are you seeking Christ; or rather, do you know yourselves to be sinners? If you do, I have authority from God to say to every one who will confess his sins, that Christ has redeemed him. “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” Are you a sinner? I do not mean a sham sinner; there are lots of them about, but I have no gospel to preach to them just now. I do not mean one of those hypocritical sinners, who cry, “Yes, I am a sinner,”—who are sinners out of compliment, and do not mean it. I will preach another thing to you: I will preach against your self-righteousness another day; but I shall not preach anything to you just now about Christ, for he “came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” But are you a sinner, in the bona fide sense of the word? Do you know yourself to be a lost, ruined, undone, sinner? Then in God’s name I urge you to believe this—that Christ has died to save you.

For meditation: We spend money to buy presents for others; Christ came to spend His lifeblood to buy sinners back for God. Christmas means nothing without the Christ; Christmas means nothing without Easter (Mark 10:45).

Sermon no. 351

22 December (Undated Sermon)

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Call to Vigilance

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Sardis was once a city of great wealth, sitting on the caravan route where merchants brought silks and spices. They even minted their own coins in silver and gold. Over the centuries, it collapsed. Commercial highways bypassed it and earthquakes crumbled its former magnificent structures. You’ve seen similar things in the United States when factories close or interstate lanes circumvent once bustling communities.

Wake up, and strengthen what remains.

Revelation 3:2

Jesus knew what was ahead for the Sardinians. He saw the Christians there were apathetic. Even what they did was left unfinished…a lackluster group to be sure. How is it with you? Is your faith vibrant and at work?

Of course, in His grace, He told them what to do. Wake up, remember and repent. If you are asleep, nothing gets done. Wipe the spiritual slumber from your eyes. Then recall what it is that Christ has done for you – from your salvation to the things He has walked you through. Repentance for your forgetfulness should come next. That done, you’ll then find yourself walking in closer relationship with Him. From there, just follow His lead as you strengthen your faith and remain vigilant against the thief of your soul.

Recommended Reading: Revelation 3:1-6

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Qualified by God

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God’s timing is perfect and He does everything for a special purpose. For example, the Lord providentially placed Esther in a position of authority. Her qualifications? She was an orphan. She came from a race of people who were living in exile in a foreign land. She was poor and lacked a royal education. Yet Esther was the person God chose to become queen and save her people from genocide.

And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Esther 4:14

The Lord still uses the seemingly weak and the powerless to change the world. The Creator of the Universe chose to come to Earth as a baby, born of humble parents in a nondescript village. Jesus Christ took His first breath in a stable all for the purpose of saving the world from sin.

Whenever you feel unequipped to make a difference for God, remember that His purpose for you is “for such a time as this.” His requirement? Your willing heart. Seek Him as He continually unfolds His plans for you to change the lives of those you encounter daily. Thank Him also for the privilege of making an incredible impact as you faithfully pray for this nation’s leaders.

Recommended Reading: Luke 2:13-21

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Free Refills

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In April this year, a construction worker at Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina was issued a ticket for $525 for shoplifting. What did this worker take without payment? A drink refill. Unaware refills in the hospital cafeteria were 89 cents, this man refilled his drink without thought. Thankfully, the federal officer who caught him decided to let him off with a warning – but only after first writing him the expensive ticket.

That you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Colossians 1:9

The poor worker just came to get filled. Today’s passage speaks of a different refill. The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Colossae to say he was praying for God to fill them with wisdom and understanding, as well as knowledge of His will. One would think such a valuable replenishment would come with a price. But all may pray to receive this spiritual gift.

Are you taking advantage of the free refills your Heavenly Father can give? Come today and ask to be filled. Pray, too, for your national leaders to have wisdom and understanding. Help them to know Jesus already paid the cost.

Recommended Reading: Romans 5:12-21

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – Love

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“We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

Suggested Further Reading: 1 John 3:14-18

We have known many Christians who have forgotten much of their love to Christ when they have risen in the world. “Ah!” said a woman, who desired to do much for Christ in poverty, and who had had a great sum left her, “I cannot do as much as I used to do.” “But how is that?” said one. Said she, “When I had a meagre purse I had an overflowing heart, and now I have an overflowing purse I have only a meagre heart.” It is a sad temptation for some men to get rich. They were content to go to the meeting-house and mix with the ignoble congregation, while they had but little; they have grown rich, there is a Turkey carpet in the drawing-room, they have arrangements now too splendid to permit them to invite the poor of the flock, as once they did, and Christ Jesus is not so fashionable as to allow them to introduce any religious topic when they meet with their new friends. Besides this, they say they are now obliged to pay this visit and that visit, and they must spend so much time upon attire, and in maintaining their station and respectability, they cannot find time to pray as they did. The house of God has to be neglected for the party, and Christ has less of their heart than ever he had. “Is this thy kindness to thy friend?” And hast thou risen so high that thou art ashamed of Christ? And art thou grown so rich, that Christ in his poverty is despised? Alas! Poor wealth! Alas! Base wealth! Alas! Vile wealth! It would be well for thee if it should be all swept away, if a descent to poverty should be a restoration to the ardency of thine affection.

For meditation: If success in the world goes to our hearts it can do others much good (1 Timothy 6:17-19); if it goes to our heads it can do us much harm (1 Timothy 6:9-10).

Sermon no. 229

19 December (1858)

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Character Check

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Adopting the world’s ways instead of God’s ways is serious business. Someone once said, “Give the church a few years and it will assimilate the ways of the world.” Several would argue this has already been happening for some time.

Now then make confession to the Lord, the God of your fathers and do his will.

Ezra 10:11

In the scripture surrounding today’s verse, Israel had disobeyed God by marrying foreign wives. This was a big deal back then. They had not only invited the ladies into their homes, but they had adopted their ways. God demanded repentance not just because His people had disobeyed Him, but because they had also compromised their character in pursuit of what they wanted, not what He knew was best.

Believers are to be in the world, not of it; not to simply pass time until Heaven, but to be sent into the world as Christ’s witnesses (John 17:18). Yet you can’t represent Jesus if there is no difference between your lifestyle and the unbelievers around you (Romans 12:2). Is your focus self-centered and pleasure-seeking, or do you strive to be like Jesus, express His character, and declare His name? Pray for Christians in America to be a shining light in this nation this holiday season and in the year to come.

Recommended Reading: John 17:6-19