THE HIGH PRIESTLY PRAYER

Jesus prayed early and often. Sometimes He prayed for extended periods of time. Inquiring minds want to know … what did Jesus pray?

An example of Jesus’ prayers can be found in the seventeenth chapter of John’s Gospel. Called “The High Priestly Prayer,” this is holy ground! These are the words of our Lord, spoken on the night He was betrayed into the hands of His executioners.

One must linger in meditation of these holy words, savoring the personal yearnings and worship of our Lord Jesus. From the opening line, they instruct us in proper praying.

As the Sinless Son gazed toward Heaven, He called out, “Father…” (John 17:1). He had earlier taught His disciples: “You should pray like this: Our Father in heaven…” (Matthew 6:9). He taught us to pray… then He modeled it for us!

The prayer, all twenty-six verses, can be divided up into three sections.

To begin, Jesus prayed for Himself. “Father, glorify me in your presence with that glory I had with you before the world existed” (John 17:5). Jesus longed to be in His Father’s presence and to enjoy the luxuries of His former estate. But, as Jesus knew well, the road home was fraught with difficulties… the trial, the cross, the grave. And so, He called out, “Father…”

Jesus then turned His attention to His Apostles and nearest disciples. “I pray for them… protect them… sanctify them…”(John 17:9, 11, 15, 17). He had spent three years with Peter, James, John, and the others and He asked His Father to aid them as He made His exit.

Lastly, Jesus prayed for you and me. “I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in me through their word”(John 17:20).

Stop a moment and think about the import of that truth. On the night that He was arrested in Gethsemane, Jesus prayed for us … for all of those who would come to faith through the teaching of the Apostles… that’s you and me.

John seventeen… holy ground. Linger. Meditate. Learn. Rejoice.

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).