My Savior's Prayers

Sometimes the fallen nature of our world bears down deep on my soul and leaves me feeling without hope. Recently so many loved ones around me are fighting battles that the Lord has not called me to fight. (yet) A co-worker's husband got diagnosed with a terminal brain cancer and given at most 6 mo. to live. A family member continues to struggle with a paralyzing drug addiction and depression, the father of two of my girls in my dance class abandoned his family and told his wife that he doesn't love her anymore. Devastating, heart-wrenching times. My heart is grieved over these people's struggles. There have been certain times during a trial when my prayers were reduced to nothing more than cries for help throughout the day. "Lord, have mercy on me." "Lord, I need your grace." "Lord, please help." On these days I sometimes feel guilty that my prayers lack substance. Then I remember the truth of Christ's prayers for me:

"It is a consoling thought that Christ is praying for us, even when we are negligent in our prayer life; that He is presenting to the Father those spiritual needs which were not present to our minds and which we often neglect to include in our prayers; and that He prays for our protection against the dangers of which we are not even conscious, and against the enemies which threaten us, though we do not notice it. He is praying that our faith may not cease, and that we may come out victoriously in the end." Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology, p.403.

"If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me."Robert Murray M'Cheyne, Robert Murray M'Cheyne p.179.

What enormous comfort and courage poured into my soul when I remember my Savior's prayers! He cares deeply for his people and his Spirit intercedes with groans so deep we cannot understand or bear them. Praise God that He is always at work in my heart even when I am choosing disobedience. I love my Savior. My advocate. My voice to the Father on my behalf. I know he is faithful to work all things out for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose. I am trusting that promise for these families. I know everyone knows of people that are hurting. Will you join in prayer for those in your life who need it most?

"Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." James 5:16