The Lord's Prayer | John 17

Many Christians refer to Matthew 6:9-13: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…” as "the Lord’s Prayer." This passage is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches His disciples how to pray. It is indeed a model prayer, offering a framework for reverence, dependence on God, confession, and request for daily needs and forgiveness. However, technically, this is not Jesus’ prayer; rather, it is a prayer for His followers—a template for us to address God.

When we talk about the actual prayer that Jesus Himself prayed—a prayer from Jesus' own heart to the Father—the true "Lord's Prayer" is best found in John 17. This chapter, often referred to as the "High Priestly Prayer," captures a profound and intimate conversation between Jesus and His Father on the night before His crucifixion.

In John 17:

Jesus prays for Himself (vv. 1–5): He asks the Father to glorify Him so that He may glorify the Father.

He prays for His disciples (vv. 6–19): Jesus intercedes for their protection, sanctification, and unity as they remain in the world.

He prays for all believers (vv. 20–26): Jesus extends His prayer to everyone who will believe through the apostles’ message, praying for unity, love, and that they may behold His glory.