The Gospel of JohnSample

Powerful Prayers

In John 17, we witness something remarkable: Jesus prays. But He doesn’t just pray for Himself—He prays for His disciples and for all who would believe in Him. That includes us.

Jesus’ prayer is filled with deep love and longing. He asks the Father to protect His followers, to make them holy through the truth, and to unite them as one—just as He and the Father are one. “I do not ask for these only,” He prays, “but also for those who will believe in me through their word” (John 17:20). That’s us. Jesus had us on His heart before we were ever born.

His desire is not just for our survival in a broken world, but for our unity, our spiritual growth, and our experience of God’s love. He wants the world to see His love and power through a people who are joined together by the Spirit and shaped by truth.

If you asked me to name the greatest things God has done in my life, I’d have to say they weren’t about personal achievements or recognition. The most meaningful moments have been when God allowed me to be part of something He was doing in someone else’s life. And often, it started with a simple act of prayer—interceding for someone else’s breakthrough, healing, or spiritual growth.

Intercession is one of the most powerful and underused tools we have as believers. When we pray for others—especially our church, small group, or fellow believers—we partner with Jesus in His ongoing work. We step into His heart for unity and holiness.

Jesus is still praying for us (Hebrews 7:25). And we’re invited to join Him in praying for others—not just casually, but with the same intentional love and boldness.

Respond to God’s Word:

Take time today to pray for your church or friends. Ask God to protect them from the enemy, to grow them in truth, and to unite them in love. Write down a few names and commit to praying for them throughout the week. Your intercession might be the beginning of something great God is doing in their lives.