John 17: The Light of Prayer That Changes the World
“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)
As you follow the Light through the Gospel of John, one truth becomes unmistakably clear: Jesus was a man of prayer. Again and again, we see Him withdrawing to commune with the Father—before major decisions, after significant ministry moments, and in times of deep personal emotion. Prayer was not a religious formality for Jesus; it was the lifeblood of His relationship with the Father.
Yet among all the prayers recorded in Scripture, none is as intimate, profound, or far-reaching as the prayer found in John 17. Spoken just hours before His betrayal and arrest, this prayer offers us a sacred glimpse into the heart of Christ at the most pivotal moment of His earthly ministry.
It is here—on the eve of the cross—that Jesus prays not only for His disciples, but also for you.
The Greatest Prayer Ever Prayed
John 17 is often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus. Author and pastor Warren Wiersbe described it this way:
“It is the greatest prayer ever prayed on earth and the greatest prayer recorded anywhere in Scripture… and we must approach this chapter in a spirit of humility and worship. To think that we are privileged to listen in as God the Son converses with His Father just as He is about to give His life as a ransom for sinners!”
These words remind us that John 17 is not merely a theological text to analyze—it is holy ground to be approached with reverence. Here, God the Son speaks openly with God the Father, moments before fulfilling His redemptive mission through the cross.
It takes only about three minutes to read this prayer aloud. Yet its implications stretch across centuries and into eternity.
The Progression of Jesus’ Prayer
As you read John 17, you will notice a clear and intentional progression.
1. Jesus Prays for Himself (Verses 1–5)
Jesus begins by lifting His eyes to heaven and praying that the Father would glorify Him, so that He might glorify the Father. This is not a self-centered request; it is a submission to the redemptive plan of God. Jesus is asking for strength and completion—to finish the work He was sent to do.
The cross is before Him. The suffering is imminent. Yet His focus remains fixed on the glory of God.
This reminds us that even in moments of deep trial, prayer reorients our hearts toward God’s purposes.
2. Jesus Prays for His Disciples (Verses 6–19)
Next, Jesus turns His attention to the men who would soon be left behind. He prays that the Father would:
- Protect them by the power of His name
- Guard them from the evil one
- Fill them with His joy
- Sanctify them by the truth of God’s Word
Jesus knows the challenges His disciples will face. They will be opposed, misunderstood, persecuted, and scattered. Yet He does not ask that they be taken out of the world. Instead, He asks that they be kept faithful within it.
This prayer reveals Jesus’ deep pastoral concern. Even as He prepares to suffer, He intercedes for those He loves.
3. Jesus Prays for All Future Believers (Verses 20–26)
Then comes the most astonishing part of the prayer.
“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)
If you are following the Light—if you have believed in Christ through the testimony of the apostles—this includes you.
Through the faithful witness of those first disciples, carried down through history, we have received the Gospel. And on the night before the cross, Jesus had you on His heart.
You Were on His Mind
Pause for a moment and consider what this means.
Before the nails.
Before the crown of thorns.
Before the agony of the cross.
Jesus prayed for you.
He prayed that you would be one with Him and with other believers. He prayed that your unity would reflect the unity He shares with the Father. He prayed that through this unity, the world would come to believe that He was sent by God.
This is not a vague or distant prayer. It is personal, intentional, and eternal.
And it did not end that night.
Jesus Is Still Praying for You
Scripture tells us that Jesus’ intercessory work continues today.
“Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.”
Hebrews 7:25 (NIV)
Jesus is not a passive Savior. He is an active intercessor. Even now, He prays for His people—strengthening, sustaining, and securing us in our faith.
When you feel weak, unseen, or overwhelmed, remember this truth: the risen Christ is praying for you.
The Heart of Jesus’ Prayer: Unity in Christ
As you read John 17, one theme rises above all others—unity.
Jesus prays repeatedly that His followers would be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity is not organizational or superficial. It is spiritual and relational, rooted in our shared life in Christ.
Our unity does not come from agreement on every issue or similarity of personality. It flows from our identification with Jesus.
Just as the Father is in the Son, so Christ is in us.
Eternal Life Defined
Jesus defines eternal life in a way that surprises many.
“Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.”
John 17:3 (NIV)
Eternal life is not merely endless existence in heaven. Eternal life is relationship. It is knowing God—personally, intimately, and continually.
Eternal life is not simply a gift from God.
Eternal life is the gift of God—Himself.
This is the life Jesus prays for us to experience now and forever.
Unity That Attracts a Watching World
Jesus makes a remarkable connection in His prayer: the unity of believers directly impacts the credibility of the Gospel.
When the Church lives in unity, the world takes notice. When believers love one another, forgive one another, and walk together in humility, they bear witness to the transforming power of Christ.
Division, on the other hand, obscures that witness.
This is why unity is not optional—it is essential to the mission of the Church.
Examining Our Hearts
Because of the sacred nature of this prayer, it deserves careful and prayerful reflection.
You may find it helpful to create a quiet, reverent space before reading or listening to John 17. Lighting a candle can serve as a simple reminder that Christ is the Light, and that His presence is near.
As you read, examine your heart.
Is your life promoting unity with other believers?
Are there unresolved conflicts or divisions?
Is there bitterness that needs to be surrendered?
Is reconciliation needed?
If so, this may be the moment to become part of the answer to Jesus’ prayer.
Becoming the Answer to His Prayer
Jesus prayed that we would be one. We honor His prayer when we pursue forgiveness, reconciliation, and love within the body of Christ.
This does not mean ignoring truth or avoiding hard conversations. True unity is grounded in truth and expressed through grace.
When believers choose humility over pride and love over offense, something powerful happens.
The Church becomes a visible reflection of Christ.
The Power of Unified Light
Jesus prayed that the unity of His followers would draw others to Him. A divided church repels; a unified church attracts.
When the Church walks as one body, filled with the love of Christ, it becomes a light that cannot be ignored. That light exposes darkness, offers hope, and points people to the Savior.
Unity does not weaken the Church—it strengthens it.
It does not dilute truth—it magnifies it.
And it does not hinder mission—it fuels it.
A Prayer That Still Changes the World
John 17 is not merely a record of what Jesus prayed long ago. It is a living invitation—to deeper relationship, greater unity, and renewed commitment to Christ’s mission.
Jesus prayed for you.
Jesus prays for you still.
And Jesus invites you to live in a way that reflects His heart to the world.
As you follow the Light, let His prayer shape your life. Seek unity. Walk in humility. Love deeply. Forgive freely.
There is tremendous power when the Church lives as one body in Christ.
It changed the world once.
And by God’s grace, it can change the world again.