“But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.“— Luke 22:32, NIV
If we only grasped who is praying for us!
Simon Peter was quick to act, quick to speak—and easily influenced by fear and intimidation.
Jesus knew that. He knew Peter would betray Him before the crucifixion. He even warned him: “Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!” (John 13:38, NIV).
Jesus promised to pray for Peter, that in the end, Peter’s faith would not fail him, that he would turn back, rise again in God’s Spirit, and give strength and encouragement to his brothers.
Jesus prayed for Peter. Jesus prays for you and me!
“I pray also for those who will believe,” He said (John 17:20-26).
I find that encouraging and comforting, that the greatest prayer warrior in the universe is praying for me, my faith, and my future. I read this line somewhere: “Satan preys…Jesus prays.”
Jesus knew that Satan was out to get Simon Peter. He even told him, “Satan has asked for you that he may sift you as wheat” (Luke 22:31).
Spiritual warfare waged about Peter’s soul.
Jesus knew the heartache and shocking revelation Peter would experience when he realized he had indeed betrayed his Lord. But Jesus also knew that He had a plan for Peter’s life—one that would defeat Satan and secure Peter’s place in the Kingdom forever. Jesus knew what awaited His beloved disciple.
So, He prayed.
When you feel “sifted” by Satan, discouraged, defeated, and afraid, remember that “since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess” (Hebrews 4:14, NIV).
“If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me.” ~Robert M. McCheyne, (1813-1843) Scottish preacher
