Pastor's Thoughts

Praying

There’s something special about a friend telling us that they’re praying for us. When they say that, we know that they care for us. We know that they’ve been thinking of us. We know that they sympathize with our struggles or pains. And we know they are genuinely concerned. But the greatest blessing is that you know your friend has talked to the Father with your needs in mind. They’re taking your needs to God.

When someone tells me that (and I believe them…), it gives me great joy. It’s uplifting to know they spoken to God for me. Some of you have prayed for me. And I’ve prayed for you. Many of us have prayed for one another, and that’s awesome. God asks us to do that. James 5:16 says, “Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another…” We ought to not be selfish, thinking to ourselves, “My burdens are enough for me to carry on my own. I can’t handle anyone else’s problems.” Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry one another’s burdens.”

But, there’s something extremely special when God prays for us. WHAT? God prays for us? Well he sure did. In John 17, Jesus is praying to the Father just hours before his crucifixion. He prays for himself, his apostles, and then he prays for you. In John 17:20, Jesus says, “I do not ask for these only (apostles), but also for those who ill believe in me through their word.”

This was not a random prayer. He knew before the foundation of the world whether or not you would believe in Him as Savior. And Jesus had you in mind. What a beautiful picture. Our Savior prays to the Father on our behalf. This happens even today. Romans 8:34 says, “Christ… indeed is interceding for us.” To intercede means, “to intervene between parties in view of reconciling the differences.” Aren’t you glad we have a Savior who loves us, cares for us, provides for us, and even prays for us? Do you have this Savior? Do you know Him today?