"The Christian's Confidence in an increasingly Wicked World" "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil." John 17:15. The prayers of Christ are taken up with the well-being of His people. "He ever liveth to make intercession for them," Hebrews 7:25. The cross draws near but He prays for His disciples, unmindful of His own impending sorrows. In this verse, He states negatively what it is He desires for His people. By so doing, indicates just what may be seen as the natural prayer - "take them out of this world." He has just stated that the world hates His people, verse 14. That might suggest that He would wish them to be taken out of this world, but no! He would have them stay but be kept by the Father's power. That is the Saviour's will for His people and it is the ongoing obligation of the Father. "Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are," John 17:11. Please learn . . .