Jonathan Munson, Executive Director
“Christ Jesus who died, more than that, who was raised to life, is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”
Romans 8:34
Let me begin with a confession: I sometimes forget to pray for people after I tell them I will.
Of course, I intend to pray for their requests, but life gets busy, distractions abound, and my good intentions fly out the window.
Perhaps you’re guilty of doing the same thing.
Fortunately, there is One who never forgets to pray for His people: Jesus.
We don’t tend to think much about what Jesus is doing right now, but the Bible gives us a glimpse behind the scenes. According to Paul, Jesus isn’t passively sitting on the throne, waiting for the next major moment in the Father’s sovereign plan. No, He is actively “interceding” for us.
“Interceding” refers to bringing a petition before a King. Each member of the Trinity plays a role in this intercessory process. The Spirit is our advocate on earth, “interceding for us with wordless groans” (Romans 8:26), and Jesus is our “Advocate” in heaven (1 John 2:1). Together, the Son and Spirit cooperate in presenting our requests to the Father.
Isn’t this amazing?
(And a little confusing?)
Exactly how all of this unfolds is simply beyond our understanding. What we know for sure is that Paul puts “interceding” in the present tense, indicating ongoing, continuous action.
So, if you’re wondering what Jesus is doing at this very moment, at least part of the answer is this: He’s praying for you.
And nothing, even your grandmother’s prayers, are better than the prayers of Jesus.
Our prayers are limited. His are unlimited.
Our prayers are inconsistent. His are unceasing.
Our prayers are imperfect. His are perfect.
Not only did Jesus suffer a horrific death on the cross, rise victoriously from the grave, offer you salvation, forgive you of your sins, fill you with His Spirit, and reconcile you to the Father (as if that’s not enough), but He also demonstrates His grace by praying for you nonstop.
Furthermore, Jesus isn’t just praying a generic, ‘one size fits all’ prayer. His prayers are deeply personal. He knows your specific fears, needs, and struggles. He knows your strengths and weaknesses. He knows the temptations you wrestle with.
Jesus knows you better than anyone else and, therefore, can pray for you in ways you don’t even know you need.
Theologian, Louis Berkhof, explains, “It is a consoling thought that Christ is praying for us, even when we are negligent in our prayer life; that He is presenting to the Father those spiritual needs which were not present to our minds and which we often neglect to include in our prayers; and that He prays for our protection against the dangers of which we are not even conscious.”
You might be thinking, “Okay, so Jesus may be praying for me, but it doesn’t change what’s going on in my life right now.”
You’re right. It might not matter right now. Or it might. We don’t know exactly how or when His prayers influence our current situations.
But we do know it can calm your heart, renew your spirit, and energize your steps.
I’m reminded of the words of the great Scottish minister and evangelist Robert Murray M’Cheyne:
“If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me.”
Quiet your soul, my friend, and share your requests with Jesus.
He will pray for you like no other.
I promise…He will never be too busy, get too distracted, or forget to pray for you.
Written by Jonathan Munson, Executive Director, RFTH
DIG DEEPER
Read “Does Jesus Pray for Us?” at GotQuestions.org
