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  I HAVE PRAYED FOR THEE
  by C.H. Spurgeon
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Summary: Jesus' never-ceasing intercession is a powerful comfort and
source of hope and confidence in the face of adversity.

Topics: "Intercession", "Spiritual Warfare"
Scripture References: Luke 22:31

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DESCRIPTION
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C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound comfort found in the knowledge of
Christ's continuous intercession for believers. He highlights how Jesus
advocates for us before the Father, shielding us from unseen dangers and
ensuring our faith remains strong, as illustrated in His words to Peter.
Spurgeon reflects on the immense gratitude we will feel in heaven for
Christ's prayers that have protected us from the adversary's schemes. He
reassures that Jesus has already countered Satan's desires, providing us
with hope and confidence in our spiritual journey. The sermon encourages
believers to recognize the power of Christ's intercession and to live in
gratitude for His unwavering support.

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CONTENT
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How encouraging is the thought of the Redeemer's never- ceasing
intercession for us. When we pray, He pleads for us; and then 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!

Even before Satan had begun to tempt, Jesus had forestalled him and
entered a plea in heaven. Mercy outruns malice. Mark, He does not say,
"Satan hath desired to have you." He checks Satan even in his very
desire, and nips it in the bud. He does not say, "But I have desired to
pray for you." No, but "I have prayed for you: I have done it already; I
have gone to court and entered a counterplea even before an accusation
is made." O Jesus, what a comfort it is that thou hast pleaded our cause
against our unseen enemies; countermined their mines, and unmasked their
ambushes. Here is a matter for joy, gratitude, hope, and confidence.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ch-spurgeon/i-have-prayed-for-thee/
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