William Burkitt on John 17:20

Hitherto our Saviour had been praying for himself and his apostles; now he prays for all persons, both Jews and Gentiles, that should believe on him, throughout the world, by the preaching of the gospel.

Hence learn, 1. That all believers have a special interest in Christ's prayer.

2. That in the sense of the gospel they are believers who are wrought upon to believe in Christ through the word.

3. That such is Christ's care of, and love to his own, that they were remembered by him in his prayer, even before they had a being: I pray not for these alone, but for all that shall believe in me.