John 17:20-21 – 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. (NIV)

Amidst our recent preparations and travels, as my family and I relocated from the far north of British Columbia, Canada, to the next province, Alberta, I found myself humming or singing the wonderful song The Family of God, written by Bill and Gloria Gaither. This song reiterates how in Christ we are indeed one family, just as Christ prayed that we may be one in Him as He is one with the Father.

As a writer for the PresbyCan Daily Devotional, I have not had the chance to meet my readers, in person, face to face. However, the recent move that my family and I made revealed to me in a very real sense just how much the PresbyCan readership is its own little family within the larger scope of the family of God. Dozens of people sent emails letting me know that their thoughts and prayers were with me during both the packing process and the 2,000-kilometre journey down the Alaska Highway.

During the actual move, we encountered three forest fires, but we were able to outrun the wildfires, the road closures, and the evacuation orders that happened as little as an hour or two after our passing. We accomplished the trip without incident — a true answer to the prayers of God's children.

Matthew 18:19 – Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. (NIV)

We may not be a family of believers who can meet personally for prayer, but there is no doubt in my mind that when the hearts and minds of God's family come together as one, just as Jesus prayed for, no amount of distance can prevent our Father from answering those prayers. In fact, I have never felt the privilege and joy of being part of the family of God as much as I did as we travelled along those highways, knowing and feeling all the prayers that had gone and were going heavenward on our behalf.

Therefore, as part of the family of God, near or far away, let us continue steadfastly to raise one another up through encouragement and prayer — for indeed, God is listening.

Prayer: Father God, thank You that when we believe in the saving power of Christ, You gather us in to be part of Your wonderful family that has the privilege and joy to love and pray for one another any time, any place, anywhere. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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