In John 17, we are given the privilege of listening to a prayer of Jesus. 

This prayer unfolds in three parts. In verses 1–5, Jesus prays for himself. In verses 6–19, he prays for his disciples. And in verses 20–26, he prays for all who would believe in him through their message—including us.

Throughout the Gospels, we’re often told that Jesus prayed, but only rarely are we invited to hear the content of his prayers. 

Someone has said, “Tell me what a man prays for, and I will tell you what he is.” We pray about what matters to us. Our prayers reveal our concerns, our desires, and the priorities of our hearts.

Therefore, as we listen to Jesus pray in John 17, we are given a window into the heart of Christ. We see what is most important to him for his people.

As we go through verses 6–19, let’s consider two questions:

• What does Jesus ask the Father to do for his disciples?

• And how do these requests apply to us as his disciples today?