This week, we heard the final verses of Jesus’ “goodbye speech” to his disciples. Jesus could have concluded with a final reminder of what the disciples are supposed to do – like a parent full of helpful reminders: “Be a kind friend.” “Eat your vegetables!” “Make good choices.” “Study hard!” “Don’t forget to separate your laundry!”  But instead, Jesus prayed that we might have all that we need to do what he’s already told us and taught us to do.

On this last Sunday of the season of Easter, this strikes me as a beautiful bookend to our Lenten theme, Jesus: a way in the wilderness. Jesus is preparing to be handed over to death, to leave this world that he has come to save. In some ways, he is leaving us – his disciples – in the wilderness of the world with all its heartache and uncertainty, without his physical presence to guide us. He is entrusting us to each other, hoping that all he has shown us and taught us – all the healing and teaching – shapes us to find our way, following in his footsteps, abiding in his love.

We continue in the way of Jesus when we likewise pray for one another.

There is a vulnerability that comes with prayer. With our prayers, we acknowledge that we are in need – of safety or strength or healing or wisdom or peace or something that we cannot manufacture or access on our own. We are acknowledging that we are not all powerful or all knowing – we are not God.

Prayer is also about relationship – with God and with each other. Remembering that we are not alone in this world. Even when we face circumstances and situations that feel overwhelming – even when we are wandering in a wilderness not of our choosing – God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) is with us. The weight of the world does not rest upon our shoulders alone.

May our prayer at the beginning of worship throughout Easter be our prayer always:

Baptized into you, O Living One,

make us one as you are one.