I am coming to you now,
yet they who you gave me remain in the wild world.
That I am going away from them makes them stronger;
they will become wise with the Holy Spirit. (1)
Now they know that everything I have done came from you.
I gave them the Words you gave me, and they accepted them;
they do not belong to the world any more,
so the world will hate them as it hated me.
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world
but that you protect them from the evil one in the world.
As you sent me into the world, I also sent them into the world.
I am sending them out like sheep among wolves.
Make them be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves;(2)
protect them from the oppressions of the world.
I leave them the glory that you gave me;
they may be one as we are one, as I am in them and you are in me.
I want them to be with me where I am, and to see my glory.
Though I am coming to you now, keep them safe.
Rev. Yong Sub Sim
(1) John 16:7
(2) Matthew 10:16-17
