This lesson teaches children that Jesus prayed for his friends before he went to the cross, and that he still cares for us today. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the memory verse and a short activity.
Big Idea
Jesus loves his friends so much that he talks to his Father about them. He asks God to keep them safe, to help them stay close together, and to help them know God. Jesus is still praying for you right now.
Memory Verse
John 17:3
This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands open in front of their hearts, then close them slowly as they say “know God.” Repeat the verse together three times, each time making the motion bigger, like opening a big book of friendship.
The Story: John 17 for Kids
One evening, Jesus was sitting with his friends in a quiet room. He knew that something hard was coming soon. So he lifted his eyes toward heaven and began to pray out loud. He said, “Father, the time has come.” Jesus was talking to his heavenly Father, who loves him very much.
Jesus told his Father about the friends who had followed him. These friends had listened to his words and believed that he came from God. He told his Father, “They are yours, and you have given them to me.” Jesus wanted God to take care of them, because he would not always be with them in the same way.
Then Jesus prayed something that surprised the friends who were listening. He asked God to keep them safe from the evil one, and to make them one family, the way Jesus and his Father are one. Jesus said, “I pray for them.” He was thinking about his friends even while he faced his own hard day.
Jesus did not stop there. He also prayed for people who would believe in him in the future, long after that night. He prayed for you and for me. He wanted all of us to be close to God and close to each other. Jesus said that he wanted us to be with him where he is, one day.
When Jesus finished praying, he was not alone. His Father was listening, and his friends were learning how much they were loved. That night, the friends saw a new picture of how much Jesus cared for them.
Read It Together
John 17:11
I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them through your name which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are.
(WEB)
Point out the words “Holy Father” and ask the children what they think it means to be holy. Explain that Jesus is asking God to keep his friends close, because God is perfect and good. Help the children see that God is strong enough to keep everyone safe.
John 17:20-21
20 Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me.
(WEB)
Show the children that Jesus prayed for people who would believe in him later, which includes them. Point out the word “one” and talk about how people who love Jesus belong together. Ask them to name someone in their church or family who is part of this big family.
John 17:24
Father, I desire that they also whom you have given me be with me where I am, that they may see my glory, which you have given me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world.
(WEB)
Read this verse slowly and point out the phrase “where I am.” Explain that Jesus wants us to be with him forever in heaven. Let the children share what they imagine heaven will be like, and remind them that Jesus is preparing it for them.
Talk About It
- What did Jesus do before he went to the cross?
- Who did Jesus pray for in this chapter, and why do you think he prayed for them?
- How does it feel to know that Jesus is praying for you right now?
- What did Jesus ask God to do to keep his friends safe?
- How can we help the people in our church feel like part of one family?
Activity Ideas
Prayer Hands Drawing
Give each child a sheet of paper and a crayon or marker. Ask them to trace their own hand, then draw a small heart in the middle of the palm. Inside the heart, they can write or draw the name of someone they want to pray for. Let them take the picture home to remind them to pray.
Hold Hands and Circle Up
Have the children stand in a circle and hold hands tightly. Explain that the circle shows how Jesus wants his friends to stay together as one. Then have them take one step in, and one step out, while saying the memory verse together. Keep the movement gentle so no one gets bumped.
Prayer Card for Home
Cut index cards in half, then give each child one card, a pencil, and a small rubber band. On the card, they draw a simple picture of someone they love. Help them write “Jesus is praying for you” underneath. The children can wrap the card with the rubber band and keep it by their bed as a reminder during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, John 17 is often called the High Priestly Prayer, because Jesus speaks to the Father on behalf of his disciples and future believers. It shows that Jesus’ care for his people does not end when he leaves the room, and that believers share a unity rooted in God’s love and truth. Adults can see in this chapter both comfort and a call to unity in the church.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the details of who is included or what unity must look like in every church. Keep the focus on the simple truths that Jesus loves us, prays for us, and wants us with him forever. Let the children ask questions, and be ready to say “I don’t know” when a question goes beyond the text.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for praying for us even before we were born. Help us know you more each day and stay close to our friends and family. Keep us safe, and help us one day to be with you in heaven. Amen.
