Listen:
“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” (Jesus’ words to his disciples, and to us) (John 15:15)
Reflect:
There are no words too strong to say how much of a gift this is for us. Jesus is our friend. Jesus is my friend; and we can know what God the Father is up to. WOW!
I spent some time looking at friend photos and thinking about friendship while preparing to write this devotional. I have some very close friends like the woman in the photo, Thea, who has been a friend since we went to college together. Recently, we took a road trip from Switzerland to Nürnberg. That is where the photo is from.
I know a lot about Thea and her areas of growth, her strengths; and she knows a lot about me. But we do not know everything about each other, only Jesus knows everything and when I need him, he is right there.
Today, for instance, I am wondering what the Father has next for me, as I am in a time of transition and this promise is so very dear to me!
I cannot help but sing the old hymn, “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our griefs and pains he bears… What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!”
Prayer of Response:
Dear Jesus, I thank you and praise you that you call us your friends. How amazing! What an honor! Thank you! All glory be to you!
Questions to Ponder:
- What do you want to bring to Jesus in prayer now?
- How do you see the Father making a way forward for you?
- If you do not yet see the way, pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal you the Father’s plans.
Breath Prayer:
As a new weekly rhythm, join us in praying breath prayers each day. We invite you to write your own as well.
Inhale (Breathe in): Jesus, my dear friend,
Exhale (Breathe out): ): thank you! (Repeat)
—Submitted by: Patty Jehle
Patty Jehle, MA, is a Swiss citizen, born in the USA, and has been living in Switzerland for 31 years. She is married to Patrik and has three adult children and one son-in-law. She’s a retired university lecturer, and is still working as a certified spiritual director, and a certified business coach and supervisor, and is on the board of her coaching organization, EASC. She attended the very first LSM and helped out with LSM-Zürich.(www.jehle-coaching.com )