Jesus is Praying for You
My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.
1 John 2:1 (NLT)
Most religions point to a god who is somewhere up there waiting to be found. We have a God who hasn’t just come to find us; He prays for us. This is an overwhelming and amazing thought. In fact, when you read this, the Bible makes it clear that Jesus is advocating for you. People will often think no one understands or sees them. However, right now, what a stirring thought that Jesus, the Son of God, has you on His mind.
Jesus spent time alone with His Father. Most of the time, we aren’t clear on what He prayed for; however, there are a few places in the Bible where Jesus gives us insight into what was on His heart. In Luke 22:32, He tells us that He prayed for Peter’s faith to remain strong. And in John 17, Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer, He prayed for His followers and “for those who will believe in Me through their message” (verse 20). That’s us! Now that Jesus has ascended back into heaven, He still prays for us. His ministry on our behalf continues (Hebrews 7:25).
We read in the verse above that when you sin, Jesus advocates for you. The Bible is clear that Satan accuses. He tries to get you to think that God won't forgive you or that a level of shame will keep you stuck in the same sins. What matters is who is more powerful. Remember, God created Satan, so you build your life on what God says since God’s power is greater. Right now, Jesus is praying for you—praying for you to receive grace and mercy, and not wrath and lies. Satan will accuse us night and day. Most of us understand this. We’ve become familiar with those voices in our heads that try to pull us away from the love of God. The next time you hear those thoughts, sit in this verse. Remind yourself what Jesus has done for you. Remind yourself that you have a God who knows and sees everything you’ve done, and you’re being prayed for right now. Let that encourage you to keep drawing near to God.
Application: Satan accuses, but Jesus advocates for you. Listen to your advocate today.
Prayer: Ask God to remind you who you are in Him. Spend time thanking God for what Jesus has done for you and thanking God that Jesus is your advocate!
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?