Prayer

Just a couple of things to meditate on concerning prayer. First from Charles Spurgeon as he reflects on Luke 22:32: "But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” (ESV)

How encouraging is the thought of the Redeemer’s never- ceasing intercession for us. When we pray, he pleads for us; and when we are not praying, he is advocating our cause, and by his supplications shielding us from unseen dangers. Notice the word of comfort addressed to Peter—“Simon, Simon, Satan hath desired to have you that he may sift you as wheat; but”—what? “But go and pray for yourself.” That would be good advice, but it is not so written. Neither does he say, “But I will keep you watchful, and so you shall be preserved.” That were a great blessing. No, it is, “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” We little know what we owe to our Saviour’s prayers. When we reach the hill-tops of heaven, and look back upon all the way whereby the Lord our God hath led us, how we shall praise him who, before the eternal throne, undid the mischief which Satan was doing upon earth. How shall we thank him because he never held his peace, but day and night pointed to the wounds upon his hands, and carried our names upon his breastplate! (1)

 And secondly, speaking of our Saviors work on behalf of his people, the Westminster Shorter Catechism reminds us in question 25:

Question: How Doth Christ Execute the Office of a Priest?
Answer: Christ Executes the Office of a Priest, in His Once Offering Up of Himself a Sacrifice to Satisfy Divine Justice, and reconcile us to God; and in making continual intercession for us. (2)

(1) Spurgeon, C. H. (1995). Morning and evening : Daily readings (January 11 PM). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
(2) Smith, M. H. (1996, c1990). Shorter Catechism of the Westminster Confession Standards. Index created by Christian Classics Foundation.; Published in electronic form by Christian Classics Foundation, 1996. (electronic ed.) (2). Greenville SC: Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary Press.