Jesus Is Praying For You

Have you ever wondered why Jesus places such importance on prayer life? His Word is filled with references, encouragement, examples (Sermon on the Mount) and the importance of prayer. Certainly, prayer is vital to the overall well-being of a believer and their relationship with Christ. It is our direct communication with God. A daily conversation that can take on many shapes and forms: forgiveness, joy, confusion, gratitude, protection, and the list goes on. Our prayers come at different times for different reasons and He hears them all.

The Bible also refers to the Son of God as an Intercessor for believers. In the Book of Romans (8:34) and Hebrews (7:25) we read about Jesus sitting at the right hand of God and living to be an intercessor. What is an intercessor? It is one who intervenes on behalf of another person. What a comfort to know that Jesus is talking to God about you and I on a daily basis! Asking for His patience, mercy, grace, understanding and forgiveness. I encourage you to pause everyday in your personal prayer life and simply tell Jesus, thank you.

But God's Word takes us even deeper into the heart and soul of our Savior. In John 17:9-26, Jesus is praying directly to God for us. To be clear, this is not an intercession as described in Romans and Hebrews. This is Jesus Christ proactively praying for His children. Notice in verse 9, He begins by saying that His prayers are for believers only, and not the world. Some may take offense to this. I, on the other hand, take great delight in knowing that Jesus not only saved my soul but also lives His life each day praying for me (and you).

In verse 10, Jesus prays for God's glory to be shown through His believers. In verse 11, He prays for our protection. In verse 15, He prays for our strength while we journey through this world. Verse 19 is a prayer for our sanctification. While verses 23 and 26 are prayers for unity among believers and fellowship with Jesus.

How different our daily lives can and should be knowing Jesus is praying to The Almighty Father on a daily (if not hourly basis) for you, me and all believers. It is a beautiful biblical truth beyond our limited understanding: Jesus is praying to Himself and we are in His heart to do so...

Pastor Aaron