Day 4 – Sanctify us in the Spirit

“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” – John‬ ‭17:15-21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.”

– 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭3:10-13‬ ‭NIV

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”

– 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:23-24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Things that are impossible with men are possible with God. Think of the things we ask for, some of which we think have little likelihood of coming to pass or being granted us. We think of our own insignificance, our own unworthiness. Why would God answer our prayer?  But we are to focus on God’s sovereignty and glory. Prayer is not only wishing, or even asking, but believing and accepting in accordance with God’s will. Be still before God and ask Him that you might know Him as the Almighty One. Leave your petitions with Him who does the impossible.

What to Pray: God is the Holy One –

His people are a holy people. He says, “I am holy; I am the Lord that makes you holy.” Christ prayed, “Sanctify them. Make them holy through your truth.” Paul prayed, “May God establish your hearts unblameable in holiness” and “God sanctify you wholly.” Pray for all saints—God’s holy ones—throughout the church that the Spirit of holiness may guide and direct them. Especially pray for new converts. Pray for the Christians in your own neighborhood or in your church community. Pray for any you are especially close to. Think of their special needs, weaknesses, or sins, and pray that God will make them holy–dedicated, pure and whole.