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“I am praying for them; I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours…”

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A pastor who traveled frequently on church business developed a habit. Before he checked out of a hotel room, he would pray for the next occupants of that room, that God would be with them and bless them. This is called intercessory prayer.

One of the great blessings and comforts of the Christian life is to know that others are praying for you. The knowledge of this has strengthened me and I am sure you can say the same. It is wonderful to know that intercession is being made for you in the midst of life’s hurts and hopes.

It is even more wonderful to know that our Divine Friend and Brother, Jesus our Savior, is praying for us. The 17th chapter of the Gospel of John records the great intercessory prayer of Jesus. He prays for the small group of believers who are with Him. He prays that the Father may guard them against disunity, that they may be one in heart and mind. He prays that they may be shielded from evil, sanctified in the truth, and that one day they may be with Him and see His glory. But does He pray for you and me?

In verse 20 we read, “I do not pray for these only, but also for those who are to believe in me through their word.” And, in Hebrews 7:25 we are told that Christ Jesus “always lives to make intercession for them.”

Someone once wondered how it can be that God prays to Himself. What can it mean to say that Jesus, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, prays to the Father, and for the intercession of the Holy Spirit on our behalf? The truth is we cannot know. Nor do we need to. It is enough to know that every detail of our lives reaches the deepest intimacies of Christ’s love for us. We are on His mind and, though it is a mystery, in His prayers also.

“May the peace of God that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

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