For What Does Jesus Pray?

Last Sunday I preached an overview of Jesus’ prayer in John 17. If Jesus lives forever to make intercession on our behalf then I’m happy to have at least some idea of the things Jesus is praying. John 17 isn’t exactly linear and Jesus tends to circle back here and there. But I narrowed it down to 5 petitions.

1. Jesus prays for Himself in verses 1-5. That the Father would glorify the Son.
2. Jesus prays for protection from evil in verses 11-12 and 15.
3. Jesus prays for sanctification in verses 17-19.
4. Jesus prays for oneness in verses 20-22.
5. Jesus prays that His followers will come to be with Him in verse 24.

In light of Jesus’ prayer, how should we pray?

1. We should pray that Jesus would be glorified.
2. We should pray for protection from evil.
3. We should pray that God would make us holy, through His Word, in this world.
4. We should pray that we might be one SO THAT the world will know that the Father sent the Son.
5. We should pray that Jesus would come quickly so that we can enjoy His glory in Person forever.

How do your prayers compare to Jesus’ prayer?

1. Do you pray for His glory or for yours?
2. When it comes to protection, are you more concerned with germs or sin?
3. Do you pray for holiness or happiness? Not that these 2 things are mutually exclusive! (see vs. 13)
4. Do you pray for oneness or do you pray that everyone else will know you are right?
5. Do you pray for Jesus to return or for life in this world, right now to be comfortable and safe without Jesus?