“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.” (John 17:20 NLT).
Jesus prayed for those that would “ever believe” in Him. That includes us! The prayer found in Matthew 6 that begins “Our Father” is referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer,” but really it is the Lord’s model prayer. For He gave the prayer as a teaching example of how to pray. The prayer found in John 17 is the best insight into the Lord Jesus actually praying. This is how He poured out His heart to the Father. He prayed specifically for us that we would be one with one another and with God. He prayed for our protection from the evil one. He prayed for us to experience His glory. And most of all, He prayed that we would believe the gospel preached by His disciples.
We know that the Lord Jesus isn’t finished praying for us. He sits at the right of the Father continually interceding for those who belong to Him (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25, 1 John 2:1). Jesus prays for us.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we thank You for Jesus. For He is not only our Redeemer and Savior. He is our Advocate and Intercessor. He prayed and still prays for us! Now we pray in His name. Strengthen us by Your Spirit to live for Jesus today. In Jesus’ name, amen.