READ John 16
The Lord teaches the disciples about prayer through His own example.

INSIGHT
We often gain by our losses. The one who has suffered no loss is still a shallow person. It was expedient for the disciples that the Lord should leave because the Spirit’s presence was contingent upon His physical absence. Christ’s work must be complete so the Spirit can apply it to the hearts of men. Jesus must die and be resurrected. The Holy Spirit will draw people to His offer of salvation. And the best news? We’ll see Jesus again.

PRAYER
God forgives our sin and beckons us to Himself for which we offer Him our gratitude and praise:
Lord, you have been our refuge  
in every generation.  
Before the mountains were born,
before you gave birth to the earth and the world,
from eternity to eternity, you are God.
Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us;
establish for us the work of our hands —
establish the work of our hands!  
(Psalm 90:1-2, 17).

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Against you — you alone — I have sinned
and done this evil in your sight.  
So you are right when you pass sentence;
you are blameless when you judge
(Psalm 51:4).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pause to pray this affirmation to the Lord:
You will keep the mind
that is dependent on you
in perfect peace,  
for it is trusting in you
(Isaiah 26:3).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:

• The homeless in the United States
• Greater wisdom for living life
• The needs of your immediate family
• Your activities for the day
• Whatever else is on your heart

Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while. To him be dominion forever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:10-11).