John 17:9-11a says, “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours…. Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to you.” While waiting for Judas to betray him, Jesus continued to “pray for [his disciples]” with him. In contrast to them, he does “not pray for the world.” This sounds odd since “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son” (John 3:16). In chapter three John wrote of people in the world. Here “world” is distinguished as the place, where his disciples will remain, “in the world.” Context shows there is no contradiction. As Jesus prayed for them he prays for us (Romans 8:34). Think about him praying for us at the throne. Let’s embrace the power of his prayers for us today.