In John 17 we find Jesus’ high priestly prayer. He is now alone in the garden praying as the final hour approaches before his crucifixion. There is no doubt that in his humanity he is struggling to stay focused. He has been tested in all points as we are. I think of things in our lives that hinder intimacy with our Father. Distractions, discouragement, and disappointment, all cause us to become distant from our “Abba.”
What can we learn from the example of the prayers of Jesus? I believe we will find powerful insight to the proper approach to our greatest privilege to enter into the precious presence of our Father.
Intimate Prayer
Jesus’ prayer life is marked by a profound intimacy with the Father. He often withdrew to solitary places to commune with God, demonstrating the importance of personal, private prayer.
- John 16:31 – 17:1: “Jesus answered them, ‘Do you now believe? Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.’ Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You.'”
- Luke 5:15-16: “However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.”
- Luke 6:12: “Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.”
- Mark 1:35: “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.”
Jesus’ practice of intimate prayer highlights His deep connection with the Father. Despite the demands of His ministry, He prioritized time alone with God, showing us the essential nature of such communion.
- Matthew 14:23: “And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.”
- Luke 9:18: “And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, ‘Who do the crowds say that I am?'”
Intentional Prayer
In John 17, Jesus demonstrates the intentionality of His prayers. His focus is on glorifying the Father, honoring God, surrendering to the Father’s authority, taking authority over what has been given to Him, and accomplishing the work He was sent to do.
- Glorify the Father: Jesus begins His prayer by asking the Father to glorify Him so that He may glorify the Father in return. John 17:1: “Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You.'”
- Honor for God: Jesus acknowledges the Father’s authority and seeks to honor Him through His obedience and mission. John 17:4: “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.”
- Surrender to the Father’s Authority: Jesus shows His complete submission to the Father’s will, even setting Himself apart to serve and fulfill His divine mission. John 17:17: “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”
- Take Authority Over What Is Given to Him: Jesus exercises the authority given to Him by the Father, focusing on the completion of His mission. John 17:2: “As You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him.”
Jesus’ intentional prayer is a model of how we should approach God—with a desire to glorify Him, honor His name, surrender to His authority, and fulfill the purposes He has for our lives.
- Matthew 26:39: “He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, ‘O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.'”
- Hebrews 5:7: “Who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear,”
Intercessory Prayer
One of the most profound aspects of Jesus’ prayer in John 17 is His intercession for His disciples, apostles, and all believers. This prayer reveals Jesus’ heart for those who follow Him and His desire for their protection, unity, and sanctification.
- Intercession for His Disciples: John 17:6-19: Jesus prays for His immediate disciples, asking the Father to protect them, keep them unified, and sanctify them by the truth. “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You… Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are… Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”
- Intercession for All Believers: John 17:20-26: Jesus extends His prayer to include all future believers, asking for their unity and expressing His desire for them to be with Him and behold His glory. “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me… Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.”
Jesus’ intercessory prayer reflects His deep love and concern for His followers. It shows His desire for their unity, protection, and sanctification. This prayer serves as a powerful example of how we should intercede for others, seeking God’s will and blessings for their lives.
- Hebrews 7:25: “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”
- Romans 8:34: “Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.”