What does the Bible say about Jesus praying for believers?

In John 17:20, Jesus states, 'Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.' This declaration shows that His prayer extends beyond the apostles to all future believers, highlighting the personal nature of His intercession. In contrast to His statement in verse 9, where He affirms He does not pray for the world, it is clear that His prayers are aimed specifically at those 'given' to Him by the Father. This emphasizes the sovereign grace by which God chooses and preserves His elect.

Moreover, the notion of Christ praying for us is a profound comfort, as it signifies that He knows us even before we are believers. The prayer illustrates the intimate relationship between Christ and His people, demonstrating that our acceptance was secured before we ever walked the earth. The certainty of this intercession is a cornerstone of Reformed theology, affirming that salvation is not based on human potential or effort, but on Christ's certain promise and the Father's eternal love for His chosen ones.