Robert Murray McCheyne is quoted as saying, “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.”
The Bible tells us, “The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but [Jesus] holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:23-25).
I’ve known the last verse for decades. However, it never occurred to me to wonder what Jesus prays for us until I saw the topic discussed in An Ocean of Grace by Tim Chester. He quotes a Scottish pastor of the nineteenth century, William Symington, as saying that we can assume Jesus’ prayers in heaven are similar to what He prayed on Earth.
That makes sense. I imagine He prays things for us that are beyond our imagination or consideration. But it’s logical to think that His current prayers would mirror what He prayed while here.
So what did He pray when He lived in human form on Earth?
When Jesus foretold that Peter would deny Him, He said, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail” (Luke 22:31-32).
What a comfort and encouragement. Jesus knows our temptations, our weaknesses, and our enemy’s ambushes–and He prays that our faith will not fail.
In what we call Jesus’ high priestly prayer in John 17, He prays not only for the disciples He had then, but also “for those who will believe in me through their word”–us!
He prays first for God’s glory to be manifested through the Son.
Then He asks His father to keep us in His name., and later, to keep us from the evil one even as we live in this world.
Jesus pleads that we may be one, just as He and the Father are one.
He wants us to have His joy fulfilled in ourselves.
He prays that we might be sanctified in God’s word, which is truth.
And finally, He asks that we be with Him where He is, to behold His glory.
In a sense, Jesus might also be praying for all His expressed will in the Bible to be fulfilled in us, like Colossians 1:9-12 or Ephesians 3:14-21. He might include the things He taught His disciples to pray in what we call “the Lord’s prayer“: that we might reverence His name, for the coming of His kingdom, the provision of our needs, our forgiveness and forgiving, our leading, and our deliverance from evil.
But it touches my heart to think that Jesus is currently praying for me some of these same specific things He prayed when He was here. I’m sure He doesn’t pray in generalities, but for specifics. He prays as One who has been where we are, who has faced temptations as we do, who can sympathize with our weaknesses. What a boost to our faith and confidence. What a clarification of priorities. What an evidence of love.
(I often link up with some of these bloggers.)
Stray Thoughts 
I have to admit that I have never wondered what Jesus would pray for me. I have asked him for specific prayers for myself over the years but never wondered what he sees in me that needs prayer. I have a feeling I have kept him fairly busy over the years. I trust his judgement.
I think we all have plenty for Him to pray about. 🙂
Over the years, I know I have had many temptations, some I failed, some I didn’t, and what your post today made me think. Yes, was God praying for me each time and helped me walk through those temptations – even the wrong one – and walk out of them unscathed. I had never thought of that. I know I always thank him for the life he has given, and the many, many years. Thank you for your scripture that reminds that even in our old age, he is still praying for our outcome. Your scripture sharing gives hope. Have a happy Sunday.
Thanks so much! I have not thought to much about Jesus’ prayers for us before now. What an encouragement that He is always interceding for us.
Even when I can’t come up with the words, Jesus is praying for me. What a wonderful thought!
It surely is.
Barbara, I so enjoyed this post. Isn’t it wonderful to KNOW because of the Word that He is praying for us! (Not a question really!) 🙂 Thanks, Friend!
This study blessed and encouraged me, too.
The opening quote you shared is a powerful one to think on. And Scripture tells us Jesus is ever living to make intercession for us. Even more powerful to think on this morning. I am so very grateful He prays “that our faith may not fail.” How I thank Him for praying for me, for my faith to be lasting, and cause me to walk in His ways. Such beautiful encouragement this morning. Thank you, Barbara, for sharing this post!
Thanks so much, Joanne.
Ooooh, what an encouraging way to start the week! I love the quote you opened up with. And, good thought that Jesus’ prayers for us now are probably similar to those prayed on earth. I’m also thinking that those things would be great for us to use in praying for others. Loved this post.
Such a great reminder! It is such a comfort that Jesus is at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us. And yes, He prays specifics for us. What a comfort!
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I have always been so moved by Jesus’ high priestly prayer because it includes ME! How much more moving as I reflect on the kinds of things Jesus is praying for me NOW. Loved this post so much!