It’s great when a friend prays for you. Perhaps they pray that you ace your lab test or that you know how to respond to a friend who is being difficult.

It feels good when someone prays for you. And you certainly need to trust God’s wisdom and timing in the process. But that friend isn’t God. So you’re never totally sure if what they pray for is perfectly in line with God’s will for you.

But when Jesus prays for you it’s different. He is the great “I Am.” He is the Messiah and Son of God. Therefore, what Jesus prays for you is God’s will for you.

In John 17 he prays for his apostles. But then in verse 20 he says this: “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message…” That means us! 

I went through the whole prayer and made a summary. [For a whole message on the subject see the link below.] 

For his disciples—then and now—Jesus prays:

-For you to have eternal life
-For being kept/guarded in God
-For his joy to be within us
-For protection from the evil one
-For holiness in God’s truth
-For unity among believer
-For being at his side and seeing his glory
-For God’s love within us (and through us)

Praise be to the God for the prayers of Jesus!

There are times when we’re not sure what to pray for. So why not pray for what Jesus prays for! 

Personally, I’m going to print out this list and use it as a prayer guide for Lent. I’m going to pray it for myself, my household, and my church family. If you’re looking for something to focus your prayers, perhaps you might want to print it out too or do a screen shot with your phone.

What Jesus prays for you is God’s will for you.

Listen, learn, pray, respond. 

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Notes: 

–“Praying for what Jesus prays for.” Sermon: February 19, 2023. Click here to watch or listen. You can also find this one as an episode on ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan.’

–A practical way to help. I’m a part of a team walking in The Coldest Night of the Year. It’s a fundraiser for our local youth shelter who has many important needs as they help young people facing all sorts of difficulties. Click here to learn more or to donate. Thank you! 

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.