We will never realize it this side of heaven, but the greatest among us are those who pray. And the most significant help in your life comes from those who pray for you. Their prayers are often offered in the shadows beyond public view. They labor there purely because of authentic love. No desire for fame or reputation motivates them, but only a passion for God’s glory and your good. They know no one will see or know except the One that matters. They will be applauded by no one but heaven.
They give the most potent help because they are not alone. Through their intercession, they are bringing God into the equation. They enlist the aid of the One-That-Matters-Most. Only eternity will reveal all that God did on your behalf because they prayed.
But here is the most astounding reality: Jesus is counted among them! If you are one of His children by faith, He is praying for you.
PRAYER THAT SAVED A DOUBTING MAN
The night before Jesus was betrayed, He took Peter aside and warned him of what was to come. He knew Peter’s humanity would get the best of him and that this bold, boasting disciple would deny that he even knew Christ when the pressure came. It would be the greatest test of Peter’s life.
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31-32, emphasis mine)
Satan had obtained direct permission to assault Peter’s faith. Peter had left everything to follow the Messiah, assuming that Christ would bring in a new reign on earth, possibly replacing the harsh Roman kingdom they were experiencing. But in a matter of hours, everything this young disciple had given his life to, left his fishing nets for, would be nailed to a cross.
Disillusioned and confused, Peter would run, even denying his closest Friend. Some would say his faith failed. But it did not. It dipped, it wavered, but in the end, Peter was the first, with John, to the empty tomb, and he would stand days after Christ’s ascension and deliver the gospel, and 3,000 people would be saved. A momentary doubt, followed by a life of unwavering faith. Why?
Jesus prayed for him.
Jesus’ prayers for His dear friend assured that this assault by Satan would be a sifting—a refining—but not a ruin.
Think of this! Christ speaking to His Father on Peter’s behalf. Since Christ’s prayers were always answered God’s way, we can be assured that the Father aided Peter through the prayers of Peter’s Elder Brother. History displays the effect of Jesus’ prayers.
HIS DAILY INTERCESSION
Part of Christ’s role at the right hand of the Father is to “make intercession” for His children.
Therefore He is able also to save to the uttermost (completely, perfectly, finally, and for all time and eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He is always living to make petition to God and intercede with Him and intervene for them. (Hebrews 7:25, Amplified Bible)
Pause and think deeply about this. Look into the Throne Room, (which you can do if you are His welcomed child), and see Christ at the right hand. Notice his eyes upon you, and His lips parted as He leans on the Father’s breast and speaks to Him on your behalf. See His servant-hearted passion that continually carries you on his heart, just as the priests once carried the families of Israel into the Holy of Holies.
Be overwhelmed by the perfection of His love, the depth of His devotion, and the perseverance of His intercession on your behalf. He is your friend, and whether you realize it or not, He is for you and always doing what matters most. In your darkest hour and greatest sifting, nothing can separate you from His love. He’s praying for you. Gaze upon Him there and be amazed.
