April 1, 2023: I Have Prayed For You

"but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." (Luke 22:32, ESV)

How often have we heard those words, "I am praying for you." Yet walk away wondering if they actually will. Or to bring this 'closer to home,' how often have we said, "I am praying for you.”, then forgotten to pray? Not Jesus! He said, "I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail!" Peter, having heard that Satan desired to sift him like wheat, is immediately encouraged by the words of Jesus.

The uniqueness of this statement by Jesus is this: He knew by the Spirit that Satan was going to sift Peter. He knew that Peter's faith would be shaken in that sifting. And Jesus prayed, in advance, that Peter's faith would not fail. What Jesus received in praying for Peter was a word of wisdom (what Satan was up to in Peter's life) and a word of knowledge (what Peter would do when sifted.) Jesus prayed accordingly and saved Peter's life and ministry. 

Prayer is no small insignificant matter. If more people realized that their prayers made a difference, they would pray more intentionally more often. Prayer does not have to be a long strenuous effort. It can be as simple as one sentence, prayed in faith, the moment you declare, "I will pray for you." Think of the possibilities if you prayed with your spiritual eyes open, expecting to receive words of wisdom and knowledge regarding your family, work, and relationships.