Who Are You Praying For?

I hate when people tell me their praying for me – I know “so why I’m I writing about praying for others?” The problem doesn’t lie with the person but with me – I don’t believe them. So I struggle to make sure no one can ever question me. In college a professor once taught me that if you feel the need to pray for someone (or tell them you will), just stop and pray with them at that moment. Easier said then done, right?

Recently, the gospels screamed at me about who am I praying for? It’s a great question – who has God given me that I should be praying for (John 17.9)? I’m not one of those people who look for evil and enemy under every rock, but I do believe there are forces that oppose the gospel and those carrying it. I think that Satan (yes I believe in the horned devil) looks for ways to influence the gospel message negatively.

Take for example Luke 22.3-6 where “Satan entered into Judas…to betray Him to them in the absence of a crowd.” Judas was one of the disciples, the enter circle of Jesus, and a big threat. Scripture foretold the event but that doesn’t make it better. I wonder if prayer could have made a difference.

But the difference was made for Peter. In Luke 22.31-32, Jesus says, “Peter! Satan demanded to have you, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers (my paraphrase).” Those are powerful words. Three points:

1. Who are you praying for that is facing temptation? Someone was praying for Peter when he was facing temptation. The ESV version says Satan was sifting Peter like wheat. Satan was getting down to what was really there and Jesus knew and prayed.
2. Expect the best, accept the good. Jesus knew Peter would reject him, prayed from him in the temptation, and anticipated him to turn back around. Jesus told Peter when he overcomes to strengthen his fellow disciples. He knew he would be strong for it.
3. Pray that you don’t fall into temptation. Luke 22.40, Jesus told his disciples (i.e. Peter) to “pray that you may not enter into temptation.” Moments later Jesus would be betrayed by Judas with a kiss.

God has given every believer someone to pray for, someone facing huge decisions. As a believer we should expect the best of those we pray for and accepted the good. If they fail we don’t doubt them or our prayers. Scripture is full of men who were sifted by Satan and good came out of it. I hope someone is praying for me. But as Jesus called his disciples to pray for themselves, I too am praying that I don’t enter into temptation.

Who are you praying for?