The Prayer of Jesus
- 6 days ago
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Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | March 17 2026 | John 17:1–23
KEY VERSE: “Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.” (John 17:11b, NKJV)
MESSAGE:
John 17:1–23 presents one of the most intimate prayers recorded in Scripture. In this passage, Jesus turns to the Father and prays for Himself, for His disciples, and for all who will believe in Him through their message. These verses reveal His deep concern for the glory of God, the holiness of His people, and the unity of all who belong to Him.
Jesus first prays for the Father’s glory. Even with the cross before Him, His desire is that the Father be glorified. His suffering would not be a defeat, but the appointed path through which God’s saving purpose would be fulfilled.
Jesus also prays for His disciples, asking the Father to keep them, sanctify them, and make them one. He does not ask that they be removed from the world, but that they be preserved in it. In the same way, believers are called to remain faithful, holy, and united in a world that often stands against Christ.
The prayer then reaches all who will believe through the message of the disciples. This means every believer is included in the loving intercession of Christ. As Lent turns our hearts toward the cross, John 17 lets us hear His deep concern for the glory of God, the holiness of His people, and the unity of the church.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
As we walk through this Lenten season, Christ’s prayer calls us to live as people who are kept by God, sanctified by His truth, and joined together in unity. Therefore, remain rooted in the Word, guard your walk with God, and pursue peace with fellow believers. Let your life reflect the holiness, faithfulness, and love for which Christ prayed.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for interceding for Your people as You moved toward the cross. Guard my heart, shape my life by Your truth, and draw me into deeper obedience and love. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: KEEP The word keep comes from the Greek word tēreō, which means “to guard,” “to preserve,” or “to watch over carefully.”
In John 17:11, Jesus prays, “Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me.” This shows His deep concern for the spiritual safety and faithfulness of His people. Christ does not leave His disciples to themselves. He entrusts them to the Father’s care. To be kept by God is to be guarded in faith, preserved in truth, and sustained in a hostile world.
Reflect on this:
You do not walk through life alone or unprotected. The Father’s keeping power is part of Christ’s loving prayer for you. This gives strength to remain faithful, holy, and steady in Him.
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