“I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in me through their word”.

John 17:20

I have sweet memories of walking through the back door of my parents’ home and finding them at the breakfast table, dishes pushed aside, Bible in front of them, and hearing their prayers for me and my family. Their boldness and fervor challenged me. Their tenderness humbled me. Their trust in the Lord gave me courage! What a precious legacy they left me! There is true comfort in knowing that someone is lifting you up in prayer to the throne of God!

Did you know that Jesus prayed for you and me? We are the ‘those’ referred to in the verse above. We are the ones who (eventually) believed through the words of the disciples passed down through generations. We are the beneficiaries of Jesus’ prayers.

In Romans 8, we are told that the Spirit intercedes for us when we don’t know how to pray; he intercedes for us according to God’s will; and Jesus intercedes for us at the right hand of God (verses 26,27,34). I am so blessed to know that in my desperation, when words can’t even articulate my need, the One who knows me best is interceding for me His will, His way for my good. Praise be to God!

Scripture gives us much direction about prayers:

This is the confidence we have before him: If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us (1 John 5:14).

Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18).

Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray (James 5:13).

“Stay awake and pray, so that you won’t enter into temptation” (Matthew 26:41).

Dear Lord, may my prayer be set before you as incense, the raising of my hands as the evening

offering (Psalm 141:2).

Jill Hardin

Unless otherwise notated, all Scripture is from the Christian Standard Bible.