This post is part of a 40-day journey following Jesus in his prayer life. We’ll explore virtually every reference in the Gospels to Jesus and prayer. For a more in-depth treatment, see my book Prayers from the Pit.
“Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world” (John 17:24 ESV).
Much of John 17 has focused on the short-term future. This final part of Jesus’ prayer, however, seems to focus on the long-term future. Jesus prays for our heavenly reunion—that we who follow him might be with him in the place where he has spent an eternity being loved.
“Father, bring them safely home.”
“Father, lead them back to me.”
“Father, let them live in this heavenly place of love.”
Jesus is rooting for you to make it to heaven. He’s not hoping you’ll slip up. He’s not holding his breath, just waiting to see you fail. He’s not shaking his head every time you fall, saying, “He’s never going to make it. She’s never going to make it.” No, Jesus spends some of his final breath praying for you to make it to heaven. Jesus is pulling for us all.
“Father, whatever you do, please make sure they wind up right here with me.”
Do you imagine Jesus praying for you or against you? Why? Close your eyes and imagine Jesus praying this (put your name in the blank): “Father, I’m rooting for _______. I’m pulling for _________. I want nothing more than for ________ to be with me. Please make sure _________ makes it to heaven.” Rejoice in the way Jesus prays for you.
And commit to praying this prayer for the people in your life. Send some of your breath begging God to help others spend their eternity with Jesus.
