The verb to “consecrate” is not a commonly used word in modern English, outside of the Church. According to Webster's dictionary, the action verb, Consecrate, means “to make or declare sacred.” A person’s position, like a priest, can be consecrated, or a building, like a church, can be consecrated. In this passage, Jesus is praying directly to the Father about his disciples, both those who he knew in his earthly ministry, and those who will come after. “I pray not only for them, but also those who will believe in me through their word” (John 17:20). Jesus is praying for us to be consecrated!