What Jesus Did! 'Jesus Prayed for You and Me!' — John 17:20-21

Sunday, November 1, 2026

[Jesus continued his prayer:] "I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one — as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me."
— John 17:20-21 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus didn't pray just for his immediate disciples, but also for those who would believe on him because of their word. Folks, that includes us! Jesus looked beyond the first generation of believers and saw others who would follow him. His prayer for them, and for us, is that we would be unified so that the world around us will believe that God sent Jesus to be the Savior of the world. So let's get together by coming to Jesus and seeking his life, his love, his will, and his Spirit to help us be what he has called us to be.

Today's Prayer

Holy and almighty God, please break down the walls that separate your people and keep us apart. Forgive us for our arrogance and selfishness, and bring us to unity as we seek to serve the world as your Son did. As we focus more on Jesus, please conform us more to your will. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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John 17:20-21
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Illustration

Illustration of John 17:20-21 NLT — "I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message."

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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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