I Have Prayed for Thee
Jesus' never-ceasing intercession is a powerful comfort and source of hope and confidence in the face of adversity.
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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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.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Redeemer's Never-Ceasing Intercession
- A. He pleads for us when we pray
- B. He advocates our cause when we are not praying
- II. The Power of the Redeemer's Prayers
- A. He shields us from unseen dangers
- B. He countermines the plans of our enemies
- III. The Comfort of the Redeemer's Prayers
- A. He has prayed for us before Satan even began to tempt
- B. He has entered a counterplea in heaven on our behalf
Key Quotes
“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.'” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Mercy outruns malice.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“O Jesus, what a comfort it is that thou hast pleaded our cause against our unseen enemies; countermined their mines, and unmasked their ambushes.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We can have joy and gratitude in the face of adversity, knowing that Jesus is a powerful advocate for us and that His prayers are effective in shielding us from harm.
- We can have hope and confidence in the face of adversity, knowing that Jesus has prayed for us and is advocating for us in heaven.
- We can respond to the fact that Jesus has prayed for us by having faith and trust in His power and provision.