We’ve all been there. A friend shares a heavy burden, and we sincerely say, "I’ll be praying for you." But then the phone rings, the kids need help, or the workday explodes, and our good intention slips through the cracks of a busy life.
Did you ever stop to think that if anyone had a good excuse to be too busy or too distracted to pray for others, it was Jesus, whose prayer is recorded in John 17?
In less than twenty-four hours, he would be hanging on a Roman cross. The weight of the world’s sin—past, present, and future—was already beginning to crush down on him. Yet, in these final, precious moments with his disciples, Jesus didn't withdraw into himself. He looked up to heaven and began what we call his "High-Priestly Prayer."
First, He prayed for His inner circle.
He looked at the eleven apostles—men who were about to stumble and scatter—and prayed for their protection and their joy. He asked the Father to keep them safe from the evil one and to sanctify them in the truth (v. 11-17).
Then, He prayed for YOU.
In verse 20, the scope of his prayer expands across the centuries: “I am praying not only for them, but also for those who believe in me through their message.”
Think about that for a moment. Before the nails were driven, before the crown of thorns was pressed onto his brow, Jesus was thinking of us. He wasn't too busy saving the world to remember the individuals for whom he had lived, and for whom he would die and pay.. Not even the looming agony of the cross, not even the hell he would suffer--could keep him from interceding for you, for me.
And what did he pray?
1.That we would be one: Jesus prayed that "they all be one” (v. 21). He knew our sinful, hell-bent tendency toward division, so he asked that we would instead be a symphony of unity—a living proof to a fractured world that God’s love is real. One holy Christian Church. A communion of saints. One in faith, grounded in Christ.
2.That we would be glorious: In verse 24, he prays, ““Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am so that they may see my glory―the glory you gave me, because you loved me before the world’s foundation.” He doesn’t just want us to "get by" or "hang on." He wants us to be with him in heaven above! He wants you and me to be radiant with his presence.
Today, if you feel forgotten, remember this: You have already been prayed for by the Son of God. His "final requests" included you and me.
A Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we are humbled by the depth of Your Son’s love. Thank you, Jesus, that even when the weight of the cross was shadowing over you, we were in your heart. When we feel alone or overwhelmed by the "busyness" of life, remind us that we are covered by your intercession, your love, and the blood you shed for us on the cross. Help us to be one, just as you and the Father are one, so that the world might see your love through us. In your holy name we pray, Amen.
Privileged To Serve,
Rev. Glenn Schwanke
Did you ever stop to think that if anyone had a good excuse to be too busy or too distracted to pray for others, it was Jesus, whose prayer is recorded in John 17?
In less than twenty-four hours, he would be hanging on a Roman cross. The weight of the world’s sin—past, present, and future—was already beginning to crush down on him. Yet, in these final, precious moments with his disciples, Jesus didn't withdraw into himself. He looked up to heaven and began what we call his "High-Priestly Prayer."
First, He prayed for His inner circle.
He looked at the eleven apostles—men who were about to stumble and scatter—and prayed for their protection and their joy. He asked the Father to keep them safe from the evil one and to sanctify them in the truth (v. 11-17).
Then, He prayed for YOU.
In verse 20, the scope of his prayer expands across the centuries: “I am praying not only for them, but also for those who believe in me through their message.”
Think about that for a moment. Before the nails were driven, before the crown of thorns was pressed onto his brow, Jesus was thinking of us. He wasn't too busy saving the world to remember the individuals for whom he had lived, and for whom he would die and pay.. Not even the looming agony of the cross, not even the hell he would suffer--could keep him from interceding for you, for me.
And what did he pray?
1.That we would be one: Jesus prayed that "they all be one” (v. 21). He knew our sinful, hell-bent tendency toward division, so he asked that we would instead be a symphony of unity—a living proof to a fractured world that God’s love is real. One holy Christian Church. A communion of saints. One in faith, grounded in Christ.
2.That we would be glorious: In verse 24, he prays, ““Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am so that they may see my glory―the glory you gave me, because you loved me before the world’s foundation.” He doesn’t just want us to "get by" or "hang on." He wants us to be with him in heaven above! He wants you and me to be radiant with his presence.
Today, if you feel forgotten, remember this: You have already been prayed for by the Son of God. His "final requests" included you and me.
A Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we are humbled by the depth of Your Son’s love. Thank you, Jesus, that even when the weight of the cross was shadowing over you, we were in your heart. When we feel alone or overwhelmed by the "busyness" of life, remind us that we are covered by your intercession, your love, and the blood you shed for us on the cross. Help us to be one, just as you and the Father are one, so that the world might see your love through us. In your holy name we pray, Amen.
Privileged To Serve,
Rev. Glenn Schwanke
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