Moment of Meditation: What a Friend We Have in Jesus (John 15:14)

You are My friends if you do what I command you.
(John 15:14)

"What a Friend We Have in Jesus"

Joseph Scriven wrote the hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" to celebrate and honor the friendship that Jesus offers to each one of His baptized brothers and sisters. Scriven wrote, "What a privilege to carry ev'rything to God in prayer" (LSB #770.1). Jesus continued our meditation theme this morning with these words: "You did not choose Me, but I chose you ... so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He may give it to you" (v16).

It is a privilege to have Jesus mediate and intercede for us before the Father. However, it is a privilege that often either gets abused or neglected in our hectic daily lives. We abuse the privilege by asking for frivolous things. We neglect it by making excuses that we're too busy to take a moment to pray to the Lord who has given us life in this world and new life in the world to come. Don't abuse or neglect this gift and privilege that you have as a Christian. Take a moment. Stop and pray to thank God for all the blessings that He has given to you and make your heart's requests to Him. We have Jesus' promise: "Whatever you ask the Father in My name, He may give it to you." May that promise strengthen you today. Amen.