Prayer is taught in many religions. Believers are coached to reach out with petitions to the divine. But have you ever thought about the power of Jesus interceding for us?
The One who left behind royal, heavenly privilege to walk on earth and comfort souls stills watches over us. Not only that, but Jesus speaks with the Holy Father on a daily basis for our protection and good.
Jesus knows what we face and what we need. He knew when his earthly life neared the end, that his followers would falter and give way to fear. At the last supper, when his disciples argued about which of them was the greatest, Jesus counseled them to serve others, rather than expect special treatment.
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat,” Jesus told Peter at the gathering. “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail,” (Luke 22:31 NIV).
The ancient process of sifting involved pounding wheat husks to break them. Temptations and trials may beat us too, but we can trust God to harvest good nuggets from our difficulties.
Protected by Jesus’ prayer, we can proceed with confidence, even if we do stumble along the way.
Right before Jesus was arrested by religious officials who felt threatened by his miracles, he prayed not only for his followers to have courage, but also for others to find truth. “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you,” (John 17:20-21 NIV).
So the next time worry smashes into you, remember that Jesus Himself is praying for you to remain strong and trust in Him.
Location credit for stained glass: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Tarpon Springs, FL
