In John 17 we overhear something extraordinary: Jesus praying. Scripture often tells us that He prayed, but rarely do we get the content of His words. Here, though, we are invited into His conversation with the Father. He prays first for Himself, then for His disciples, and finally for all who would one day believe. It is sacred ground—the High Priestly Prayer, called by John Calvin the “Holy of Holies” of the New Testament.

John Knox, on his deathbed, asked for John 17 to be read again and again, saying, “That is where I first placed my anchor.” Martin Luther marveled, “It sounds so honest, so simple; it is so deep, so rich, so wide, no one can fathom it.” This prayer shows us a Savior who is powerful, practical, and personal.

Jesus Prays for Himself – Powerful

Jesus begins, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you” (John 17:1). He is not confused about His role. The cross is near, and He sees it not only as suffering but also as glory. He acknowledges His authority over all flesh and declares that eternal life is found in knowing Him.

If Jesus Himself felt the need to pray, how much more should we? Too often we hesitate, thinking we might bother God or that He already knows what we need. But prayer is not about informing God. It is about obeying Him, joining Him, and allowing Him to shape our hearts. Scripture shows us that God does answer prayer—sometimes yes, sometimes no, sometimes not yet—but always for our good and His glory.

Jesus Prays for His Disciples – Practical

Next, Jesus turns His attention to the men who had followed Him. He prays, “Holy Father, keep them in your name” (v.11). He knows they will remain in the world, facing opposition and temptation, and He asks the Father to guard them.

Here we are reminded of the assurance of God’s grace. Salvation is not something we earn, so it is not something we can lose. Jesus is both the Savior and the Keeper of our souls. This prayer removes fear and replaces it with joy—our security rests not in our grip on Him but in His grip on us.

Jesus Prays for Believers in the World – Personal

Finally, Jesus prays for all who will believe through the witness of His disciples. That means He prayed for us. He asks not that we would be taken out of the world but that we would be kept from the evil one (v.15). His concern is both holy and personal.

It is tempting to separate our love for Jesus from our love for His Church, especially when people disappoint us. Yet Jesus’ prayer reminds us that we are not called to retreat from the world or from His people, but to remain faithful witnesses. The world may talk about many things, but we must talk about Jesus. God does not promise to bless our will, but He does bless His Word.

The Gift of His Joy

Jesus concludes by asking that His joy would be fulfilled in us (v.13). This is the heart of the gospel. Through His prayer we are reminded that His victory is ours, His Spirit lives within us, and His joy is available to us even in trials.

When Jesus prays, He invites us into confidence. He is powerful, practical, and personal—and He is praying still.