Jesus Prays for Us

One of the most amazing discoveries that I made in my Christian life is that Jesus not only prayed for us while He was here on earth, but continues to do so in Heaven! He is in heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us (Hebrews 9:24). Hebrews 7:25 tells us that Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. This is emphasized again in Romans 8:34, It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

Isn't that an incredible picture? We are also invited to join Him in that throne room, as Hebrews 4:16 states, Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Christ, our Lord and Savior, has not forgotten our trials and tribulations. In fact, since He was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15), He sympathizes with our weaknesses. He knows exactly how to pray because He has walked in our shoes!

Of course, Jesus prayed many prayers during His lifetime on earth, but the most majestic and meaningful prayer that He prayed was recorded in John 17. Again, it was thrilling to learn that He had you and me in mind when He prayed that prayer so many years ago. He told the Father, I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word (John 17:20).

Junior Hill is an evangelist and an author. He is also a very dear friend who has given me permission to quote him from his books. My favorite passage is in his book, The Shadow of His Hand, and is also quoted in my book, The Prayer Driven Life, in a chapter entitled "The Comfort Giver." Junior says:

"While God already knew how we felt, He wanted us to know that He knew! That's why He left Heaven. That's why He robed Himself in human flesh. That's why He subjected Himself to every hurt and every heartache that is common to us all. He wanted all the suffering and hurting saints of every generation to be able to confidently say, 'My Savior knows how I feel - He really does know - and thank God, I know that He knows!'

Comforted by that blessed truth, we take joy in our tribulations and we rejoice in our sorrows for they become the doorway through which we pass into 'the fellowship of His sufferings' (Philippians 3:10). And once we have been shut up with Him, He begins that wonderful process of instruction that prepares us to help others."

I thoroughly agree with Junior. Knowing that Jesus understands and prays for us, and knowing the privilege that we have of approaching the throne room, we should be all the more eager to intercede for those we know. We may not understand it all, but God does work through prayer!

Stephanie B. Blake

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name (Hebrews 13:15).