“Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.”

John 17:13-19

Dear God, how does Jesus pray for me? This is how. He asks that you protect me from the evil one. He asks that you make me Holy by your truth and teach me. He offers himself up for me as my sacrifice. There is a lot of love from him in this prayer.

How do I pray for others? Is this how I should pray? If I pray for my wife, children, parents or friends, would this prayer cover the important stuff? Let me try.

Father, please protect my children from the plans Satan has to steal, kill and destroy their lives. Teach them your word, which is truth. If you need me to sacrifice anything in my life for them, please reveal it to me. I offer it to you and them. I pray all of the same things for my wife, parents, extended family, friends, community and world. Protect us from evil. Teach us truth. Use me however you will.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen