The text you provided is a portion of Jesus' prayer to his Father, often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer, recorded in the Gospel of John, chapter 17. This prayer reveals Jesus' heart for his disciples and for all believers. Here are some ways you can apply this text to your life:
Knowing God and Jesus: Jesus defines eternal life as knowing God the Father and Jesus Christ whom He sent (verse 3). We can apply this by seeking a deep, personal relationship with God through prayer, studying His Word, and obeying His commandments. As we grow in our knowledge of God and Jesus, our faith becomes more meaningful and transformative.
Glorifying God and Jesus: Jesus prays for his own glory and that of the Father (verses 1, 5, 22). We can apply this by living our lives in a way that brings glory to God. This includes bearing fruit for the kingdom of God, reflecting His character, and pointing others to Him through our words and actions.
Keeping God's Word: Jesus emphasizes the importance of keeping God's word (verses 6, 8, 14). We can apply this by treasuring God's Word, the Bible, and seeking to understand and obey its teachings. Meditate on Scripture, hide it in your heart, and allow it to guide your thoughts, words, and actions.
Unity among Believers: Jesus prays for the unity of his followers (verses 11, 21, 23). We can apply this by fostering unity in our relationships with other believers. Strive for peace, harmony, and mutual encouragement within the body of Christ. Work together with other Christians to fulfill the Great Commission and build up the church.
Sanctification: Jesus prays for the sanctification of his disciples (verses 17, 19). Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Christ and being set apart for God's purposes. We can apply this by pursuing holiness in our lives, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us and conform us to the image of Christ.
Protection from the Evil One: Jesus prays for his disciples to be kept from the evil one (verse 15). We can apply this by recognizing the spiritual battle we face and putting on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) to stand firm against the devil's schemes. Trust in God's protection and rely on His strength to overcome temptation and spiritual attacks.
Sharing God's Love: Jesus desires that the love the Father has for him would be in his followers (verse 26). We can apply this by loving God and loving others as Christ loved us (John 13:34-35). Demonstrate God's love through acts of kindness, forgiveness, and self-sacrifice. Share the gospel with those who don't know Christ, so that they too may experience God's love.
Anticipating Eternal Glory: Jesus prays for his disciples to be with him where he is, beholding his glory (verse 24). We can apply this by living with an eternal perspective, knowing that our true home is in heaven with God. This hope can sustain us through life's challenges and give us a sense of purpose as we anticipate the glory that awaits us.
By meditating on and applying Jesus' prayer to our lives, we can deepen our relationship with God, grow in our faith, and fulfill the purposes He has for us as His followers.