Praying For Us

While studying a portion of Romans 8 with a brother on Thursday, I was reminded of the wonderful news that both the Holy Spirit and Jesus pray (intercede) for those who have placed their trust in Christ. What wonderful news! "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." I am reminded of the verse in Psalm 103 that says, "For He knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. (v.14 ESV)." Even in our weakness we are supported in prayer. We often ask others to pray for us, and it is one of the most loving and best things that we do for one another, but the reality that divine prayers are going to the Father on our behalf is of vast encouragement and consolation. Romans 8 goes on to say that "Christ Jesus is the one who died- more than that, who was raised- who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us." (v.34 ESV) Jesus at the right hand of the Father, praying for you and me; it doesn't get any better than that. We also read that Jesus ever lives to make intercession for us because He has a permanent priesthood (Hebrews 7:24-25, and that he serves as an advocate for us before the Father. (1 John 2:1)
A exhilarating example of Jesus praying for us is found in John 17, especially starting in verse 20 where he says, "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word..." (v.21) That's us. He goes on to ask that we might enjoy the same unity and depth of relationship that He and the Father revel in.
Celebrated the coming of the New Year with some gracious Brazilian brethren last night.