Being prayed for leads to praying for others . . .

Before I became a Christian, people were praying for me. I didn’t know it, but realized later that Christian neighbors could see my need for Jesus and His amazing grace. They prayed for God’s intervention in my life, otherwise, I could easily be overwhelmed by the results of my sinful choices and lifestyle.

Today, I pray for people, both Christians and not-yet-saved people who have no idea that I am praying for them. This is the work of Christ in me, creating a desire to intercede for others. I know intercession is not my idea, for in myself there is little concern about their fate, but in Him there is eternal concern, and He lives in me.

One mention of His continual prayer for His people was just prior to the crucifixion. Peter was certain that he would never betray Jesus, but Jesus knew otherwise . . .

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.” (Luke 22:31–34)

As I read this, I recall the many times that I have denied the Lord in my actions, words, or thoughts. Yet in me there is this persistent desire to ‘get it right’ and keep believing, to be faithful, to become increasingly faithful, to obey rather than deny my Lord. Lest I think this is a quality of my life, I realize that Jesus is praying for me. His prayers keep me in a place of faith. Without Him, I could not last even a minute. Because He lives in me, I sense that same desire to intercede.

Jesus is the perfect intercessor (I am not). In the economy of God, this was the role of the priests. Yet these priests were mere men, and their prayer life lasted only as long as they did . . .

The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:23–25)

Jesus lives forever to pray for His people. The Bible also affirms that He indeed prays. This is part of His saving work. It was prophesied by Isaiah . . .

Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors. (Isaiah 53:12)

Sometimes my sense of failure and unfaithfulness to Jesus overwhelms me. I feel the harassment of my accuser, Satan himself, and with it, a sense of utter condemnation. I know that Jesus died for me, but under the pounding of the enemy, it seems so long ago, so disconnected to the failures of today. But then God speaks . . .

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. (Romans 8:34)

How wonderful to know that my Savior is still working to ensure my total salvation. Along with that, I am greatly encouraged when someone tells me that they are praying for me, and deeply appreciate their efforts. I know that Jesus is using them, making them part of His prayer ministry.

I also know how challenging intercession can be, for that sinister accuser does not want it to happen. As with Peter, he would sift us all like wheat to ruin our effectiveness for Christ. Prayer is a spiritual battle.

Yet the enemy cannot sift the Great Intercessor, the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus lives forever at the right hand of God, and continually prays for His own so our faith will not fail. For this, I am gratefully indebted, and for this I am also motivated to intercede for others.

How to strengthen others

Yesterday, I thanked a woman for being a big encouragement to me. She gave me a hug then laughed, “It isn’t that I’ve tried. I’m just being who I am, the way God made me.” 

This morning, I read the conversation between Jesus and Peter just before the crucifixion and before Peter’s denial that he knows Jesus.

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.” (Luke 22:31–34)

When you have strengthened your brothers. What does that look like? The devotional comments are about sharing the grace God gives us. God did not save me for my own sake but for His own name’s sake, that through me He might show his mercy and grace to others. 

I agree. What good is light from the Lord if it is hidden or hoarded? Jesus even said,

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14–16)

In particular, if I fail as Peter did, the lessons learned in that crash are not just for me, nor are the lessons learned from God’s grace as He restores me. At the very least, others need to know that no matter the thud when I hit the ground, the Lord’s mercy and grace overcome any foolishness on my part. He picks me up and sets me on my feet, not once, but every time that I fail.

Although it can be, strengthening others is not necessarily done with specific intent. It can happen simply by being who we are. Like my friend, God creates us with certain personalities and gifts. Being true to that results in ministry to others. She is open, honest, and shares herself without trying to be anything to anyone. In doing that, she builds me up. My personality and gifts are not the same as hers. Imitating her words and actions will not work. Instead, God wants me to let ‘my’ light shine, letting others see what He has given me. 

In Peter’s case, he was gifted to lead the flock of God and teach them. After Christ had died and rose again, He gave Peter his job description…

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” (John 21:15–16)

Based on how God made me, what is His challenge for my life? I’ve been told that my spiritual gifts are teaching and discernment. Several have challenged to write a personal purpose statement. It finally has distilled to this: Learn all I can from the Lord and pass it on to others. 

Whatever form that takes, from a casual conversation to leading in a classroom situation, God has given many opportunities to fulfill that purpose, just as He gave Peter many opportunities to strengthen his brothers and feed his sheep and my friend many opportunities to encourage others.

From these verses and yesterday’s experience, it seems clear that being and doing whatever God puts into our hearts produces a sense of living out God’s purpose, but also makes us a blessing to those around us.