Jesus’ prayers upon His disciples, showcases a glimpse into his intimate relationship with them.
We will examine 30 distinct prayers uttered by Jesus on behalf of His followers, drawing from the Gospels to illuminate His unwavering love, concern for their spiritual growth, and desire for their unity and protection.
These prayers serve as a powerful testament to the enduring power of intercession and offer invaluable guidance for believers seeking a deeper connection with Christ.
30 Jesus Prayers for His Disciples
1. John 17:1-26
Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
This extended, high priestly prayer, found in John 17, encapsulates Jesus’ deepest desires for His disciples. He prays for their sanctification, unity, and protection from the evil one.
He intercedes for their future witness to the world, emphasizing the importance of their abiding in Him and His abiding in them.
2. Matthew 26:39
And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.
In this prayer, Jesus grapples with the immense suffering that awaits Him on the cross.
He demonstrates profound humility and submission to the Father’s will, even in the face of unimaginable pain. This prayer serves as a powerful example of how to surrender one’s own will to the divine will.
3. Luke 22:32
“But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
Jesus acknowledges the impending trials that will test the disciples’ faith. He offers a prayer of assurance, promising that their faith will not ultimately fail.
This prayer highlights the importance of mutual support and encouragement within the community of believers.
4. John 14:16
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”
Jesus promises the gift of the Holy Spirit, the ultimate Comforter and Guide. This prayer emphasizes the importance of the Spirit’s indwelling presence in the lives of believers, empowering them for witness and service.
5. Matthew 10:16
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”
Jesus sends His disciples out into a hostile world, equipping them with wisdom and discernment.
This prayer underscores the importance of navigating challenging situations with both prudence and integrity.
6. John 17:15
“I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.”
Jesus recognizes that His disciples are called to live in the world, but not to be of the world. He prays for their protection from the temptations and influences of evil.
7. Luke 23:34
“And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Even amidst the excruciating pain of crucifixion, Jesus demonstrates unparalleled compassion and forgiveness toward His tormentors.
This prayer serves as a powerful model of extending grace and mercy to those who have wronged us.
8. Matthew 9:38
“Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Jesus calls His disciples to pray for an abundant harvest of souls. This prayer emphasizes the importance of intercessory prayer for the spread of the Gospel and the growth of the church.
9. John 15:16
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give it to you.”
Jesus affirms His sovereign choice of His disciples and empowers them to bear fruit through their obedience to His Word. This prayer highlights the importance of abiding in Christ and seeking His will in all things.
10. Matthew 6:9-13
“Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”
The Lord’s Prayer, given by Jesus Himself, serves as a model for all Christian prayer. It emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s kingdom, His will, and His provision for our daily needs.
11. John 17:20
“I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word,”
Jesus’ concern extends beyond His immediate disciples to all who would come to believe in Him through their witness. This prayer underscores the importance of passing on the faith to future generations.
12. Matthew 11:25-26
“At that time Jesus exclaimed, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; for so it was your pleasure. “All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
In this prayer of praise, Jesus acknowledges the Father’s sovereignty in revealing divine truths. He emphasizes the importance of childlike faith and humility in receiving God’s grace.
13. John 17:21
“that they may all be one, 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.”
Jesus prays for the unity of His followers, mirroring the perfect unity between the Father and the Son. This prayer emphasizes the importance of Christian unity as a powerful witness to the world.
14.Luke 10:2
“Therefore he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Jesus calls His disciples to pray for more workers to join in the harvest of souls. This prayer highlights the importance of intercessory prayer for the growth of the church and the spread of the Gospel.
15. Matthew 18:19-20
“Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about any matter they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Jesus emphasizes the power of united prayer, promising His presence and the fulfillment of their requests when two or more gather in His name.
This prayer highlights the importance of Christian community and the power of collective intercession.
16. Luke 11:13
“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Jesus encourages His disciples to boldly ask the Father for the Holy Spirit, assuring them that a loving Father desires to generously bestow His gifts upon those who seek Him.
This prayer underscores the importance of persistent prayer and the confidence we can have in God’s willingness to answer.
17. John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Jesus offers His disciples the gift of His peace, a peace that surpasses all human understanding.
This prayer emphasizes the importance of finding inner tranquility and abiding in Christ amidst life’s challenges.
18. John 15:7
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
Jesus promises that abiding in Him and His Word will result in answered prayers. This prayer highlights the importance of cultivating a deep and abiding relationship with Christ as the foundation for effective prayer.
20. Matthew 28:18-20
“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Jesus commissions His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, assuring them of His constant presence and empowering them with His authority.
This prayer emphasizes the importance of the Great Commission and the ongoing work of the church in reaching the world with the Gospel.
21. Luke 10:1
“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.”
Jesus sends out His disciples on a mission of healing and proclamation, demonstrating His confidence in their ability to carry out His ministry.
This prayer highlights the importance of obedience to God’s call and the privilege of serving as His ambassadors.
22. John 16:33
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Jesus prepares His disciples for the challenges they will face in the world, assuring them of His victory over sin and death.
This prayer emphasizes the importance of trusting in Christ’s victory and finding strength and hope in Him amidst trials.
23. Mark 16:15
“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
Jesus gives His disciples the Great Commission, empowering them to share the good news of salvation with the entire world.
This prayer underscores the importance of global evangelism and the responsibility of every believer to participate in the spread of the Gospel.
24. Matthew 21:22
“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”
Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith in prayer, assuring His disciples that their prayers will be answered if they believe.
This prayer highlights the power of faith and the importance of cultivating a strong and unwavering trust in God.
25. John 15:5
“I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
Jesus emphasizes the importance of abiding in Him as the source of life and fruitfulness.
This prayer underscores the importance of maintaining a close and intimate relationship with Christ for spiritual growth and effective ministry.
26. Matthew 7:7
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
Jesus encourages His disciples to persevere in prayer, assuring them that persistent seeking will be rewarded.
This prayer highlights the importance of persistence and diligence in seeking God’s will and His blessings.
27. Luke 18:1
“And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.”
Jesus encourages His disciples to pray without ceasing, emphasizing the importance of persistent and unwavering prayer.
This prayer highlights the importance of cultivating a consistent prayer life and maintaining a heart of expectancy.
28. Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Jesus encourages His disciples to bring all their anxieties to God in prayer, trusting in His provision and care. This prayer emphasizes the importance of casting all our cares upon Him and finding peace in His presence.
29. John 17:9
“I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.”
In this prayer, Jesus demonstrates His deep and abiding love for His disciples, acknowledging that they belong to the Father. This prayer highlights the special relationship between Jesus, the Father, and those who believe in Him.
30. Matthew 10:20
“For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
Jesus assures His disciples that they will not be left to their own devices when they go out to share the Gospel.
This prayer emphasizes the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, enabling them to speak with boldness and authority.
Conclusion
Jesus demonstrates a depth of love and care through his prayers for his disciples that is both inspiring and humbling.
These prayers serve as a powerful testament to the enduring power of intercession and offer invaluable guidance for believers seeking a deeper connection with Christ, encouraging them to emulate His example in their own prayer lives.