Family Devotional: Praying for the Nations
Read Together: John 17:1-5
Family Discussion
Jesus teaches us to pray that God would be glorified, that people would personally know Him, and that believers would finish the work God gives them.
Background Story
Share with your family: “Jesus prayed this prayer on Thursday night, right before He went to the cross on Friday. Even though He knew the hardest moment of His life was coming, His biggest concern was that God’s name would be honored and that people everywhere would know God personally.”
Discussion For Younger Kids
Question 1: “Jesus said the most important thing was for God’s name to be honored. What are some ways we can honor God’s name at home? At school?”
Question 2: “There are people all over the world who have never heard about Jesus. Can you think of a country far away? Let’s pray for the kids there to learn about Jesus!”
Discussion For Older Children
Question 1: “Jesus asked God to glorify Him even though He was about to suffer on the cross. When hard things happen to us, how can we still want God to be honored? Can you think of an example?”
Question 2: “The sermon mentioned the ’10/40 Window’—a part of the world where most people have never heard the Gospel. Why do you think it’s important that we pray for and care about people in places we’ve never been?”
Question 3: “Jesus said eternal life is knowing God personally, not just knowing about Him. What’s the difference? How can we get to know God better?”
Discussion For Teens
Question 1: “In verse 1, Jesus prays ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that the Son may glorify you.’ Even facing the cross, Jesus’ priority was God’s glory. What does it look like for us to prioritize God’s glory when we’re going through something really hard?”
Question 2: “Verse 3 defines eternal life as knowing God and Jesus Christ. Our culture often reduces Christianity to moral rules or religious activity. How is a personal relationship with God different from just ‘being a good person’ or ‘going to church’?”
Question 3: “Jesus said in verse 4, ‘I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work you gave me to do.’ What do you think God’s specific work might be for you right now—in this season of your life? How can you be faithful to finish it?”
Question 4: “The sermon mentioned that half a percent of Albania is Christian. Most will never hear the Gospel. How does that reality challenge or convict you? What’s one practical way you could engage in God’s global mission—even from here?”
Prayer
Pray through these three points together as a family:
- Pray for God to be glorified in your family, your church, and in nations that don’t know Him yet.
- Pray for people to personally know God through Jesus—especially in places where the Gospel is unknown or forbidden.
- Pray that believers would finish their work—that Christians around the world would be faithful to what God has called them to do, even when it’s hard.
Specific Prayer Focus: Pray for Albania (or another country God puts on your heart). Use the prayer model from the sermon:
- Thank God for His work there
- Pray for government and culture to be impacted by believers
- Pray for the church to grow and mature
- Pray for more workers to be sent
Reflection
God loves the whole world—not just our neighborhood or our country. When we pray for the nations, we’re joining in what God cares most about. And even if we never travel far from home, our prayers can reach around the world.
Family Activity
As a family, commit to:
- Praying for one specific country each day this week
- Learning one new thing about that country
- Asking God, “Is there something you want our family to do to help people know Jesus?”
