John 17

Jesus draws each of us, in the unity of love and truth, into the depths of God Himself.

"I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (1)

The Prayer of Jesus

Father, give glory to Your Son,
That You be glorified in Me;
In all My works, Your will is done;
Draw glory from eternity.

Eternal life is to know You,
The One true God and Him You've sent;
Grant this life to those who are true,
To Your word with a pure intent.

Out of the world, you have brought
Them to Me -- they know all's from You.
I pray for them, may they be wrought
As one in Us -- Your life imbue.

Father, protect them from evil;
In this world, they will be sent.
As one in Us, may they fulfill
Your will with joy in love's ascent.

Consecrate them unto Your word;
Your word is truth; I consecrate
Myself for them - My life's conferred
On them in truth and love innate.

I pray for those who will believe
In Me, through their word and their ways;
May all be one; may all receive
Your love with gratitude and praise.

In the glory You've given me,
May they be made perfect as one
In Your love, in our unity,
Just as the Father loves the Son.

Father, I will make Your name known;
That they may live for love alone.


May the Lord's love draw us into Him in unity with complete surrender to His love and great confidence in His infinite mercy.

1. Ephesians 4:1-6


(c) Paul Buis, 2005