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Christ’s Intercessory Prayer

Staying in God’s presence is not merely a psychological state of mind; it is the lived reality of Jesus’ petition in John 17. In this prayer, Jesus acts as the “Bridge” that allows a human being to dwell in the presence of a holy God.

To understand how “staying in His presence” relates to this prayer, we have to look at three specific themes Jesus emphasizes: Union, Protection, and Truth.

1. The Geometry of Presence: “In” as a Location

In John 17, Jesus uses the preposition “in” repeatedly. He prays that the believers may be “in us” (John 17:21).

  • The Relationship: Staying in God’s presence fulfills Christ’s request for Divine Union—that believers all may be united with Jesus and the Father.

  • The Connection: Just as the Spirit intercedes within us (Romans 8:26), Jesus prays that we would be positioned “inside” the Trinitarian relationship. To “stay in His presence” is to remain aware of this position—that you are “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).

2. Sanctification by Truth (The “Atmosphere” of Presence)

Jesus prays, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17).

  • The Logic: You cannot stay in God’s presence while entertaining lies or “the world’s” logic. Presence and Truth are inseparable.

  • The Practice: Staying in His presence involves a “washing of regeneration” (Titus 3:5), in which the Word constantly cleanses your perspective. If you are out of alignment with the Truth, you will feel “distant” from the Presence, even though Christ’s prayer ensures you are never truly abandoned.

3. Protection from the “Evil One”

Jesus specifically asks the Father not to take us out of the world, but to “keep them from the evil one” (John 17:15).

  • The Correlation: Staying in God’s presence is our primary “defence system.” In the High Priestly view, the “Presence” is a place of safety.

  • The Intercessory Link: This connects directly to Romans 8:28. The Spirit works all things for good by keeping us within the “High Priestly perimeter” Jesus prayed for. When we wander from a conscious awareness of God (leaving His “presence” in our minds), we become vulnerable to the “schemes” of Satan, which Jesus prayed against.

4. The Goal: Beholding Glory

The climax of John 17 is verse 24: “Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory.” John 17:24

  • The Definition of Presence: Ultimately, “staying in God’s presence” is the practice of beholding the Glory of Christ.

  • The Result: As we behold His glory (through prayer, the Word, and the Spirit’s filling), we are transformed into that same image. This is the goal of sanctification.

Summary: Christ’s Intercessory Prayer

Staying in God’s presence is the active human response to the passive divine protection Jesus prayed for.

Jesus Prays (John 17) Our Response (Staying in Presence)
“Keep them in your name.” Trusting in God’s character and authority.
“That they may be one.” Maintaining the “unity of the Spirit” in the Body.
“Sanctify them in truth.” Renewing the mind and rejecting the world’s lies.
“That they may see my glory.” Consciously fixing our gaze on Christ throughout the day.

In essence, you don’t “create” God’s presence; you enter the presence that Jesus already demanded for you in John 17. The Spirit (Romans 8:28) then acts as the “inner witness” that confirms you are exactly where Jesus prayed you would be.