As we journey through this year, one truth stands out as a foundation to carry us through life’s trials and challenges: Jesus prays for you. This may sound simple, but the depth of its significance is more life-changing than "you are not alone" affirmations. We must learn to comfort ourselves through the word of God.  There are moments coming ahead when you will need to draw strength, authority, power, and faith from this truth. So set your heart to receive this now.

In Luke 22:31 Jesus says,

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat.”

As Jesus is speaking here it mirrors Job 1–2, where satan seeks permission from God to test Job. However In this passage, the word “you” is plural, indicating that Satan’s target wasn’t just Peter but all the disciples. Jesus is revealing that Satan desires to shake His followers violently, much like wheat is sifted, to see who will remain steadfast, committed, and faithful to God.

The Reality of Spiritual Opposition

This passage reminds us that we face a very real adversary. Satan’s goal is to destabilize us, to shake our faith, and to cause us to fall. The imagery of sifting wheat involves violent shaking to separate the grain from the chaff. Similarly, life’s trials can feel like relentless shaking, testing our endurance and faith.

However, while this reality may feel overwhelming, that is not how we navigate our lives. Jesus does not leave us defenseless or alone to figure it all out by ourselves.

Jesus’ Intercession

In Luke 22:32, Jesus continues:

“But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Isn't that powerful? Jesus, though He had not yet been crucified or risen from the dead—the Son of God, who was in the beginning with God—told Peter that He prayed for him. Specifically, He prayed that Peter's faith would not fail, and that, through the renewed strength Jesus prayed for him to have, he would be able to strengthen others.

Notice the confidence in His words—not if Peter turns back but when. Jesus’ prayer carries the power and assurance that restoration is the inheritance and fruit of His intercession for us.

Hebrews 7:25 echoes this truth, affirming that Jesus, as our High Priest, “always lives to make intercession” for us. This advocacy is not something Jesus did once but it's active, ongoing, ensuring that we are upheld through every trial.

Jesus as the Great High Priest

The role of Jesus as our Great High Priest is central to understanding His intercession. The book of Hebrews provides a breakdown of this role:

• Mediator of a New Covenant: Hebrews 8:6 highlights that Jesus mediates a better covenant, founded on better promises. As the Great High Priest, He bridges the gap between humanity and God, ensuring that we have direct access to the Father.

• Sympathy for Our Weaknesses: Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that Jesus is not a distant or detached priest. He understands our weaknesses because He was tempted in every way, just as we are, yet without sin. This makes His intercession deeply compassionate and personal.

• Perfect Sacrifice: Unlike the priests of the old covenant who offered sacrifices repeatedly, Jesus offered Himself once for all (Hebrews 9:12). His sacrifice was perfect and sufficient, securing eternal redemption for those who trust in Him.

• Eternal Intercession: As Hebrews 7:24-25 states, Jesus’ priesthood is unchangeable, and He lives forever to intercede for us. This means His advocacy on our behalf is constant and unwavering.

Angelic Reinforcements in Times of Need

Another aspect of Jesus’ intercession is how He sends angelic reinforcements to minister to us in times of great need. When we are sad, depressed, angry, or anxious, His prayers activate heavenly support.

An example of this can be found in Luke 22:43. In the Garden of Gethsemane, as Jesus wrestled with the weight of the cross, an angel appeared to strengthen Him. This moment reminds us that this kind of help is sent when anything in this life feels too heavy to bear.

Similarly, we see in Psalm 91:11-12 that God commands His angels concerning us, ensuring we are upheld in times of distress:

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

This is a tangible reality of God’s care. Whether it’s peace in the midst of anxiety, unexpected encouragement during sadness, or supernatural endurance when overwhelmed, angelic reinforcements are part of how Jesus’ prayers manifest in our lives.

The Power of Knowing Jesus Prays for You

Understanding that Jesus prays for you changes how you face life. It offers:

• Strength: When you feel weak, His prayers sustain you. His strength becomes your anchor.

• Authority: Jesus’ intercession gives you the ability to understand that victory is already won on your behalf. Satan’s demands cannot overcome Christ’s authority. (1 Corinthians 15:57)

• Power: The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work within us (Ephesians 1:19-20), activated through His intercession.

• Faith: Even when your faith feels fragile, His prayers uphold and reinforce it, ensuring it doesn’t fail.

Your Response to Jesus’ Prayers

 This truth compels a response. Like Peter, we are called to:

• Turn Back: Failure is not an option. Jesus’ prayers gives us restoration and renewal.

• Strengthen Others: Your trials and triumphs equip you to encourage those around you. As Jesus prays for you, you can extend His grace to others.

As you navigate the year ahead, keep this truth at the forefront of your mind: Jesus is praying for you. Whether you’re facing temptation, trials, or moments of doubt, His intercession is your lifeline. Let this truth deepen your faith and make you bold as lion as you to walk confidently in His strength. The One who overcame the world is praying for you, ensuring that even through the sifting, you will stand firm.

"Jesus Prays for You" now has scripture and prayer cards to go along with it.  Head over to this link to grab yours for free.