“For He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.” (Isaiah 53:12 NIV)
This morning I awoke to a beautiful and personal prayer written just for me, in accordance with scripture, texted from a friend who is stationed on the other side of the world. I can’t find words to describe what it did for my heart. See, I know where situation and the fact that she took the time to pray into, investigate and craft such a personal prayer on my behalf? That’s powerful. That’s real friendship. Also, seeing my name intermingled with such strong promises? Incredibly encouraging.
Yesterday I shared about our sin and the excessive cost of grace. Today I am reminded that our cross-carrying, sin-absolving Savior promised also to pray for us. In fact, we were the heaviest burden on His heart in the last few moments before the soldiers came for Him. In John 17, Jesus pours out prayers for His disciples and all believers.
“My prayer is not for them alone. I also pray for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them will be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You.” (John 17:20-21)
My far-away friend’s prayer affected me, hw much more so should these Messianic prayers pull at my heart? He spend His longest, darkest hours pleading for us. Slip your name in this scripture and picture Jesus, bent beneath the olive trees; “I also pray for ______ , who will believe My message.” Jesus laid claim to His gospel on our behalf. But He didn’t stop there. No, scripture tells us He is still praying promises over His brothers and sisters.
“Jesus Christ, who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also praying for us.” (Romans 8:34 NIV)
Jesus, wrongly accused and executed for our sin yet raised to life again – He has the best seat in heaven and He willingly wields His position to pray for us – the very ones who incited His physical demise. The more I know our Savior, the more I adore Him.
So, a couple of considerations for your Friday. First, have you taken the prayers of Jesus personally? Have you slipped your name in the pages of scripture and believed God on your behalf?
And second, who needs your heartfelt prayers today? Who has to hear scriptures prayerfully applied to their situation right now?
Lord, we thank You for Your word. It is powerful and timely and perfect. It does not return void. We thank You for friends who reach out across miles and phone lines and computer servers to encourage one another. We thank You for prayer, for the personal lifeline You’ve granted us for ongoing divine connection. We also give thanks for Your personal intercession over our situations. Our hearts are thrilled at the thought of You, our Lord and King, praying for Your friends, still here on on earth. Help us hold on to that truth today, no matter what the day brings. Amen.