Jesus' Four Prayer Requests

(This message was originally published on February 27, 2014) The Gospel of John, Chapter 17, has been considered a "favorite" by many followers of Jesus. The reformer John Knox referred to John 17 as "the anchor for his soul" and had his wife read him the chapter as he lay on his deathbed.

I'd like to point out four prayer requests that Jesus appears to make in this chapter of Scripture. Many sermons and articles have been preached and written on this chapter. David Jeremiah in his book on prayer, and others come to mind. For the sake of your time, I will simply give you the prayer requests and a Scripture from John 17.

Prayer Request #1. That Jesus might be glorified.

John 17:1, "When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, "Father,  the hour has come;  glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you."

Prayer Request #2. That Christians might be sanctified.

John 17:15-16,"I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself,that they also may be sanctified in truth."

Prayer Request #3. That the church might be unified.

John 17:21, "that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me."

Prayer Request #4. That the world might be evangelized.

John 17:21, "that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me."