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Intention

To awaken the Church to love one another, and to extend the kingdom of God through that love.

Scripture

“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

– John 13:34–35

“I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in me through their word. May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.” 

– John 17:20–23

Reflection

Before going to the cross, Jesus sat with his disciples and shared deep and fundamental truths of his kingdom with them.

These truths would become foundations for the new Church he was about to birth. Truths that would empower the Church to fulfil her primary calling: to establish the kingdom of God and extend God’s reign in the city, region, and nation in which she is placed.

In Jesus’ teaching and prayer in John 13–17, he revealed two vital things that are essential for us to fulfil this call.

First, love one another as he has loved us, so that the world would recognise Christ is with us and in us (John 13:34–35; 14:18–23).

Second, be one in him, so that the world would believe the Father sent Jesus — and that he is still present with us (John 17:20–23).

The first is his commandment.

The second is his prayer.

As we obey his command to love, we live out the unity for which he prayed.

What does it mean to love one another as Jesus has loved us — his “new commandment”? And how does that love draw us into unity — his prayer that “we may be one”?

Let’s start with oneness. Jesus means there should be no separation or schism among us. This does not mean we are all the same. Jesus is praying that despite differences among us, the glory he has given us will enable us to remain in loving, living relationship. Then the world around us will see that Jesus is real.

Now for love. The Greek word Jesus used is agapao (the noun is agape). The meaning of this love is found in his words: “Just as I have loved you” (John 13:34). Jesus means to love from the heart — wholehearted, unconditional, and devoted. He describes a intentional, covenant-loyal love that seeks the true good of another regardless of merit or cost. It is rooted in God’s own character and thus governs every sphere where Scripture speaks of relationship: with God, in the church, in families, in society, and even toward enemies.

It is this kind of love that the world around us will see and so realise that Jesus is in us.

We need a fresh agape revelation and agape revolution to saturate his body. We must make obedience to his commandment and fulfilment of his prayer our priority.

When the Church lives as one body, governed by the love of Christ, the world sees a great and powerful witness to the king and his kingdom.

Video

Prayer

Father, we ask for a fresh, powerful, life-changing revelation of agape love. Give us willing hearts and the grace to love all others as we have been loved by you, so that we may be one and a witness to the world around us.

In Jesus’ name and for his glory. Amen.

Author Bio

Karen is a wife, mother and grandmother. She is a retired prayer pastor but continues to be active in prayer as a leader in national and international prayer movements and groups, including The Global Watch, Jedidiah Company, Oneness Coalition and several Israel-focussed prayer groups.

Prayer Points for October 2026

We are praying for the Church to:

1. Awaken to her first love for Jesus (Ephesians 5:14; Revelation 2:4).
2. Awaken to evangelism so that millions will trust in Christ (John 3:16; Proverbs 11:30).
3. Awaken to her prophetic voice to the nation (Isaiah 52:1; Matthew 14:4).

We invite you to support this campaign to multiply prayer in Australia for revival and see millions come to faith in Christ. Every donation to the Canberra Declaration helps us promote prayer and make a stand for family, faith, freedom, life, and the good news of God’s love through Jesus Christ.

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