"11 Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are." 20 "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me."
John 17:11, 20-21

The night before Jesus was crucified, He prayed a profound prayer of oneness, a unity of purpose among the believers that they may be one as He and the Father are one. In His earthly ministry, Jesus modeled what a life of oneness with God, the Father looks like. He had a deep love and friendship with God and He often withdrew to lonely places for prayer (Luke 5:16) and was always about doing His Father's business (Luke 2:49). The time spent in communion with His Father, praying and fasting empowered Him to perform many miracles. He became the manifest image of the invisible God, and He revealed the mystery of godliness to those who opened their hearts to Him.

Jesus also embraced oneness with His disciples. He preached to thousands but withdrew with the 12 disciples daily, explaining the Word to them, teaching them to pray (Mathew 6:9-13), and sending them out two by two to preach the gospel with power over unclean spirits (Mark 6:7-13).

The disciples also replicated oneness. On the day of Pentecost, a small group was gathered in one accord to receive the Holy Spirit which gave them new tongues, boldness to witness, with about three thousand souls added to them (Acts 2:1-42), and many wonders and signs done through the apostles (Acts 2:43). This is a testament to the power of oneness in Christ and among the believers!

As Jesus emphasized the importance of oneness, let us seek after oneness with other believers by connecting with one of the groups at church. The C-Groups, M-Groups, and K-Groups offer the opportunity for discipleship to build our faith in God, to support us through prayer, and to provide practical help during difficulties while celebrating God's faithfulness in our lives. We are designed to be in community with God and with others. Let us not shrink back now but advance the kingdom of God by operating in oneness.

How to pray today

Pray for oneness among the believers and with God. Pray that people will obey God and have a hunger for His Word, and a desire for fellowship. Pray for strong discipleship, the growth of these groups, and the fulfillment of the great commission.