What Jesus Did! 'Departing Prayer for Unity' — John 17:11

Monday, October 26, 2026

[Jesus continued his prayer:] "Now I am departing from the world; [my disciples] are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are."
— John 17:11 NLT

Key Thought

The majority of Jesus' departing prayer is for his disciples. He wants God to keep them and care for them. He wants them to find God's peace among themselves. He wants them to be unified - as closely "in sync" as he and his Father are, and they are one. I can't imagine any other desire that has been more ignored than Jesus' desire for his followers' unity. Let's commit to being more united - in our personal relationships, in our congregations, and in our contact with other people of God all over the world.

Today's Prayer

Father, forgive us for our selfishness, pigheadedness, and arrogance. But please, dear God, don't just forgive us but use your Spirit to change us and unite us. Bring us to the truth and use us to minister to the lost world. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Jesus Prayed for Our Protection & Unity
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
"Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect..."
My Prayer
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Precious Follower, The verses you will read today come from a very emotional time on the night I was betrayed. These verses are My prayer for My..."
Skipping Communion?
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Jesus didn't pray for unity just so Christians could sit in a happy circle, hold hands, and sing Kum Ba Yah around the campfire at church camp. Phil Ware reflects on the words of Jesus, the actions of the apostle Paul, and the example of a couple of men in his life, all focused on the theme of reconciliation.

Illustration

Illustration of John 17:11 NLT — "Now I am departing from the world; [my disciples] are staying in this world, but I am coming to you.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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