The Bible clearly commands us to pray for others. ! Tim. 2:1 “I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.” We are told to be praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” (Eph. 6:18). This kind of faithful, Spirit led, persevering praying for others is a mark of the prayer life of Jesus. His prayer life was supremely characterized by intercession for others.
These is a section of Scripture in Luke 22:31-32 we should pray close attention to. Jesus warned Simon Peter that severe testing would come; notice that Jesus also assured Peter that He was praying for him: “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that He may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail.”
Jesus’ intercession for His followers is seen most clearly in His prayer in John 17, where He prays not only for the twelve but for all those that would become followers of Jesus through the ages, including us! In John 17:6 Jesus first acknowledged that they belonged to the Father: “They were Yours”, they were Hi special treasure, He knew that He was handling the Father’s treasure, and this is reflected in His praying for them.
Second, Jesus knew that this special treasure had been entrusted to Him. “They were Yours, You gave them to Me.” In light of this awesome stewardship, Jesus interceded for His followers.
Third, Jesus clearly had a defined focus in His intercession: “I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, they are yours.” This was not prayer for the world, but prayer for those through whom the world would be reached.