John 17:9-23 ~ Love them

John 17:9-23

English Standard Version, David Cochran Audio Bible


9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.

12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one [from evil]. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them [Set them apart for holy service to God] in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself [I sanctify myself; or I set myself apart for holy service to God], that they also may be sanctified [may be set apart] in truth.

20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

Jesus spent a lot of time in prayer. The first time God communicated with mankind was right after our creation - God blessed the male and female He created. Almost immediately Adam and Eve wanted to be God. Then prayer is not mentioned until the 20th Chapter in Genesis when restoration of Abraham's marriage and health in marriage the subject. The 2nd time prayer is mentioned Abraham's servant prayed looking for Isaac's wife. The 3rd, Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. The LORD answered his prayer.

We love to know Jesus is our mediator. We love knowing Jesus prayed for us. It's so interesting to learn the first 3 times the Scriptures tell us about prayer - it's about marriage. Loving each other as yourself.



Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I read recently in a blog, About the Master's Business, nervousness persists after prayer when we use the Lord as our prayer bellboy. It struck a chord with me.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

And the best advice on supplication prayer:

Matthew 6:5-8
“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

How? In expectation, knowing God will hear you. Asking for His will. Talk to Him like your best friend - like your spouse.

1. Eyes open - John 11:41 / John 17:1
2. Tears shed - 1 Samuel 1:7-10/ Psalm 126:5-6
3. Shout/applaud/cheer - Ezra 3:11-14/ Psalm 47:1
4. Sing - Psalm 100:4/ Ephesians 5:19
5. Loud voice - Acts 7:60
6. Unison - rush together making the same noise - Acts 4:24
7. Speak to obstacle - Joshua 10:12 "Sun stand still"
8. Speak with no sound - I Samuel 1:7-10
9. Say "Amen" to others prayers - I Corinthians 14:16
10. Fast - 2 Samuel 12:16/ Isaiah 58:6

11. Stand up - Nehemiah 9:3-5
12. Kneel - Ephesians 3:14/ Philip.2:9-11
13. Lay down on bed - 2 Kings 20:2
14. Lay face on ground - 2 Chronicles 7:3
15. Walk - 2 Kings 4:33-35
16. Squat/bow down - 1 Kings 18:42/ Psalm 95:6
17. Dance - 2 Samuel 6:14-16
18. Walk away be restored - Matthew 5:23-24
19. Sackcloth & ashes - 2 Kings 19:1
20. Sit - Matthew 26:36 / Mark 14:32,37-38

21. Bow head - Isaiah 58:5
22. Raise hands in praise - Psalm 134:2/ Psalm 143:6
23. Raise hands in authority - Exodus 17 8-15/Hebrews 12:11-12
24. With two or more - Matthew 18:19
25. Lift hand in blessing - Luke 24:50
26. Lay hands on (for commissioning) - Hebrews 6:2/ 1 Timothy 4:14
27. Anoint - Mark 6:13/ James 5:13-15
28. Spread it before the Lord - 2 Kings 19:14-15

29. In expectation - Matthew 21:21
30. With persistence - Luke 11:8
31. In hope, always - Luke 18:1

Father God, the one You love has a need. You've asked us always to have hope, to pray in expectation and so I put forth the need, the hope, the desire that You will send Your word forth to help. We ask for Your healing and strength. I earnestly give this to You, praying that Your will be done. I will rest in Your Word. And look forward to Your will accomplished. In Jesus Christ's Highest Name. Amen.

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