Read Jesus’ Prayer in John 17… What is Jesus praying for?

Priority #1: Praying for God’s Glory (17:1-5)

To begin, Jesus is praising God the Father by praying for God to be glorified in the cross, as the cross is where we see the fullness of God’s love. Jesus also prayed that God would be glorified in the mission finished. Ultimately, Jesus would glorify God in heaven, returning to what the Triune God had before Jesus took on the role of Savior.

Priority #2) Praying for God’s work and presence in the World (17:6-19)

This prayer was specifically for the apostles but has a tone for all church leaders as Jesus prays that we would know God through the work of the Church. Jesus prays for our protection as we are to remain active in the world for the purpose of our unity!!! Jesus knew His followers would face many trials… therefore Jesus prays those hardships and persecution would not divide the church. Jesus prays for the Church’s presence in the world … We are to continue the mission that Jesus began.

Priority #3) Praying for the physical and spiritual needs of others (17:20-26)

Jesus prays for all who would come to faith through the message of the disciples. Notice Jesus is very specific about praying for the unity of believers – its supernatural unity modeled and enabled by the Triune God. This type of unity is only possible because of who God is and the work of God in our lives… and it is only experienced in its fullness as we draw close to God. The reality that the unity of God’s people would display to the world that Jesus was truly sent from God the Father was so important to Jesus that He repeats it in the same short prayer.

Jesus’ heart is that those chosen by God will see the glory of heaven…not an if, but when! Jesus wants it to happen now. AMEN!

Practice: PRRAY model of Prayer

Start by reading a passage of Scripture (see previous SOAK method for understanding God’s Word)

Start your prayer time with silence: Just listen for God’s Spirit to prompt you on what to pray

Then pray to God using the following model:

Praise God for His character and thank Him for His blessings

Repent of any known sin or rebellious attitudes

Repeat God’s message (from daily Bible reading) to God

– ask for additional insight into how to respond

Ask for His provision/protection/power for yourself and for others (intercession)

“Your will be done…” Commit to God’s purpose by by yielding to the Holy Spirit’s promptings.

Praying as Jesus prayed for the Church and others

Additional Resources