Dear Friends,
Have you ever thought about the fact that Jesus prayed for you before you were even born? That realization has always amazed me and filled my heart with such comfort and love. Before I took my first breath, before I had a single worry, and even before I made my first mistake, Jesus prayed for me. He prayed for you, too.
This truth is found in one of the most profound chapters in the Bible: John 17. In this prayer, often called the High Priestly Prayer, Jesus prays not only for His disciples but for all who would believe in Him through their message. That means He prayed for each one of us, knowing that we would one day come to Him in faith.
I often find myself returning to this chapter when I need reassurance, when I feel overwhelmed, or when I simply want to be reminded of Jesus’ incredible love for me. I want to share some of my reflections on this prayer and how it has impacted my life.
Jesus’ Prayer for Unity
One of the things that stands out to me the most in John 17 is Jesus’ prayer for unity. He prayed:
“I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:20–21)
When I think about this, I’m struck by how much Jesus values our unity—not just with one another but with Him and the Father. It’s a reminder that we’re not meant to walk this journey of faith alone. We are part of a larger family, bound together by His love.
There have been times in my life when I’ve felt disconnected—either from God, from others, or even from myself. In those moments, this prayer reminds me that Jesus desires for me to be deeply connected. He wants me to experience the kind of unity that brings peace, purpose, and strength.
Jesus’ Prayer for Protection
Jesus also prayed for our protection. He said:
“Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.” (John 17:11)
I find so much comfort in knowing that Jesus prayed for my protection—not just physical protection but spiritual protection as well. He knew the challenges we would face in this world, the temptations, the trials, and the doubts that would try to pull us away from Him.
When I face difficult times, I remind myself of this prayer. Jesus didn’t just hope I’d make it through; He actively prayed for me. He spoke my protection into existence, and I believe that His words are just as powerful today as they were then.
Jesus’ Prayer for Joy
Another beautiful part of this prayer is when Jesus prayed for our joy. He said:
“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.” (John 17:13)
Joy isn’t always easy to hold onto, especially when life feels heavy. But Jesus prayed that His joy would be in us—a joy that isn’t dependent on our circumstances but rooted in the unchanging love of God.
I’ve experienced moments when I felt like joy was out of reach, but then I’d remember this prayer. Jesus didn’t just want me to have fleeting happiness; He wanted me to have a deep, abiding joy that comes from knowing Him.
Jesus’ Prayer for Sanctification
Jesus also prayed for our sanctification, saying:
“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
Sanctification is a process—a journey of becoming more like Christ. It’s not always easy, and it often involves letting go of things that hold us back or keep us from living fully in His will. But knowing that Jesus prayed for my sanctification gives me hope.
When I feel stuck or when I struggle to grow in my faith, I remember that Jesus prayed for me to be transformed by His truth. And His truth is powerful. It has the ability to change hearts, renew minds, and set us free.
What This Prayer Means to Me
This prayer reminds me that I’m not forgotten, overlooked, or left to figure things out on my own. Before I even knew Him, Jesus knew me. He saw my life—all its ups and downs—and He prayed for me.
That realization is incredibly humbling. It reminds me that I am loved deeply and personally by the Savior of the world. It also challenges me to live in a way that reflects that love.
Knowing that Jesus prayed for my unity with others, I strive to build bridges and foster connection, even when it’s hard. Knowing that He prayed for my protection, I find courage to face life’s challenges. Knowing that He prayed for my joy, I try to live with gratitude, even in difficult seasons. And knowing that He prayed for my sanctification, I’m encouraged to keep growing in my faith, trusting that He’s working in me and through me.
An Invitation to Reflect
I’d like to invite you to take a moment and reflect on this prayer. How does it speak to you? Are there areas in your life where you need to experience unity, protection, joy, or sanctification?
Whatever you’re going through, I hope you find comfort in knowing that Jesus prayed for you. He loves you more than you can imagine, and He’s walking with you every step of the way.
Stay blessed,
Motherly Prayers
This week, my prayer for you is that you feel the depth of Jesus’ love and the power of His prayers for you. May you walk in unity, find protection in His name, experience His joy, and grow in His truth. You are deeply loved, and you are never alone.