Praying the Prayers of Jesus John 17:1-26, by Pastor Charlie Handren

The Bible teaches us that Jesus ever lives to intercede for his people, which means that he prays for us by name, by circumstance, without ceasing, and without end (see Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25). While we don’t know all that Jesus prays for us, we know some of what he prays because of texts like John 17. And since we know some of what Jesus prays, we would be wise to take his words as our own and join with him in calling on the Father. Indeed, prayer becomes powerful when we pray according to God’s will, and surely Jesus’ words reveal God’s will.

In John 17, Jesus says many things and asks for six things. So, then, let us read the prayer in its entirety, note the reasoning behind each of Jesus’ requests, and take up his words and join him in praying for these six things:

1. Father, glorify the Son that the Son may glorify you (17:1, 5).

2. Holy Father, keep your people in your name that they may be one, even as we are one (17:11).

3. Father, do not take your people out of the world, but keep them from the evil one (17:15).

4. Father, sanctify your people in the truth; your word is truth (17:17).

5. Father, make all of your people one, even as we are one, that the world may believe you sent me and know that you have loved them as you have loved me (17:21-23).

6. Father, let your people be with me where I am to see my glory and be enfolded into our love (17:24-26).

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