John 17:20-26 NRSVue
20“I ask not only on behalf of these but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word, 21that they may all be one. As you, Father, 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. 22The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, 23I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
25“Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them and I in them.”
“Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.”
Some thoughts on this scripture
Reflection
This is the prayer of Jesus for his followers through the ages. Jesus prays
for each of us. Can we imagine him at prayer, as he names his apostles, his
friends and all he wants to pray for? Prayer is our naming of God; it is also
Jesus’ naming of us to his Father. Let him name you. Even take time to
think what he might pray for you. In opening ourselves to prayer, we are
opening ourselves to Jesus praying for us. Sit and silently allow his prayer
for you take over your heart.
Reflection
I am one of those who, through the words handed down by the disciples, now
believe in Jesus. Here Jesus speaks of me, he prays for me, that I may be one
with him and with his Father.
Reflection
Jesus wants me to be drawn into the life he shares with his Father. I ask
Jesus to help me to let go of anything that holds me back from accepting this
generous invitation.
Reflection
Jesus draws me into life so that I may give witness. I accept now the
nourishment that I need for my spirit, prayerfully considering the ways in
which I am called to witness.
Reflection
What Jesus asks for us is what he sought for himself: unity with God. As I am
invited into this relationship, I consider what it might cost me and I ask
for the freedom I need.
Reflection
Jesus wants his disciples to live in such a way that the work of God is
evident in them. I think of how I live and I name the help I need.