Knowing the cross of Calvary was near, Jesus takes the time to pray for His people. In addition to the eleven men with Him in the garden of Gethsemane that night, He also prays for every one who would believe on Him.
John 17:20-21 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
Jesus prays for His people to experience His joy and to be kept from the influence of the world. He prays that His people be purified (sanctified/set apart) and used for His glory. He prays for unity within the body of believers. He wants to share with us the "oneness" He and His Father share.
As He brings His prayer to a close, He prays that we will be filled with His love. He says that our mutual love will be a sign to the world that the Father sent Him.
John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
