John 17, #06, Prayer for preservation of the disciples

John 17:11-16

Jesus here prays for his disciples, because he is going to the cross, the grave and the resurrection. That leaves them in the world, physically alone and vulnerable. Jesus has protected them from the ravages of the world, and kept them loyal to the Father while he was here. What bad things will happen to and among them when he is gone, unless his prayer for them in the meantime is answered in the affirmative?