“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
(Luke 22:31-32 NIV)
Jesus was a man of prayer. He prayed about everything and for everyone, including His friends, and He let them know that. Prior to His crucifixion, Jesus assured Peter that He had prayed for him, which I believe was of great encouragement to Peter, who was about to deny Him. Thanks to Jesus’ prayers, Peter was able to turn back to God and strengthen the others.
We all need friends who are willing to pray for us, even when we do not necessarily ask them. It’s always encouraging to hear a friend say to me, “I’ve been praying for you,” even when I haven’t asked them. It shows that they care enough about me to bring my needs before God’s throne. And when I do ask for their prayers, it’s uplifting to have them ask me about the effects of their prayers. I owe much of my success to their prayers. Likewise, as their friend, I too have a responsibility to pray for them and let them know about it because their lives depend just as much on my prayers.
Jesus’ friends knew that they could count on His prayers, and they did not hesitate to come to Him with their needs. Do your friends know that you’re praying for them, and can they count on your prayers?
A good friend brings our needs before God’s throne in prayer.
Rising with the Son 