The Ultimate Intercession

I woke up yesterday being led to read Jesus' Prayer for his disciples and in turn us. In John 17, Jesus prays for his disciples. Think about that for a second. Praying for someone is an act of love; praying for someone reminds you that you are thought of. For the One who instituted pray, to turn around and pray for his disciples is profound.

When we think of how to pray, we are often pointed to the Lord's prayer, because it seems to display a model of how prayer is done, again coming from the one who instituted prayer.

But when Jesus prayed for us - it was raw, heartfelt, powerful, intimate, it used simple language yet expressed profound thoughts - some of which may be too deep for us to understand,  yet it showed a depth of caring, wisdom, and compassion. While He prayed, he spanned time - he talked about the past the present and the future. Jesus prayed for Himself (v1-5), his disciples (v6-19) and for us (v20-26). 

When someone lets me know that they are praying for me, because of what praying means, I am so dumbfounded, all I can utter is a feeble "thanks," that is not adequate enough to convey the depth of my feelings. But thanks will have to do - because in praying for another you are lifting up their needs and presenting them to God. You can be as raw and emotional as necessary while maintaining the necessary reverence for God. Praying demonstrates a relationship - definitely between you and God, and somewhat between you and the person you are praying for. Praying demonstrates hope and faith. Praying says I know Someone who can help. Praying provides wisdom, guidance and peace. Jesus was about to face the biggest trial of his life, but he had us in mind. He always had us in mind!

I was reminded of this passage because as I pray for others, I want to demonstrate the depth of care Jesus had for his disciples and for us.

My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. John 17:9 [NLT]

Praying is caring.