How do we know that Christ prayed for unity?

In John 17, the Lord Jesus offers an intercessory prayer for His church, emphasizing His desire for unity among believers. He prays, 'That they may be one as we are.' This unity is not merely a call for harmony on a social level, but a spiritual bond that reflects the intricate relationship between the Father and the Son. The assurance that Christ’s prayers are effectual points to our security in His love and the divine will, as He intercedes for us. This prayer reaffirms the importance of unity among Christians as a testament to the reality of the gospel message they carry, which in turn serves as a witness to the world.