The Go-Between Pray[r]

“How can I pray for you?”

Words are central to the Christian faith, both in how God reveals himself and in how believers live out their relationship with him and with others. Even the second person of the Trinity, Jesus, is presented as logos, or the Word. It says in John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” In this faith built upon words, this simple question is among the most important words one could express.

You’ve likely asked or answered this question yourself. Sharing prayer requests is a critical component of the discipleship journey. In doing so, we let our guard down and allow others into our hearts, where our dreams, desires, insecurities, worries, shame and struggles reside. In sharing prayer requests, we invite others into our faith journey, who can lift us up in prayer and provide encouragement, accountability, or, at times, rebuke, all of which can help us grow in our relationship with God.

In technical terms, when we pray for someone else, we are practicing what’s called “intercessory prayer.” This term originates from the Latin word “intercedere,” derived from the prefix “inter,” meaning “between,” and the verb “cedo,” meaning “I go.” So, when we pray for someone else, we are literally “going between” and pleading with God on behalf of another. Having people who care about us and pray on our behalf can significantly impact our testimony. Likewise, when we pray, or intercede, for others, we can become part of someone’s story in ways we may never realize!

Despite how powerful it can be to lift others up in prayer or to know that we are being prayed for by someone else, what is even more powerful is that Jesus himself intercedes for us! That’s right, several passages throughout Scripture point to Jesus as our “Great Intercessor.” One such verse comes from Romans 8:34 that says, “Christ Jesus, is the one who died – more than that, who was raised – who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”

Let’s sit in that for a moment. Jesus, the second person of the Trinity, who sits enthroned in Heaven at the right hand of God, actually intercedes for you! If we feel comfort in knowing that a friend or loved one lifts us up in prayer when we need it, how much more comforting is it to know that Jesus is praying for us? What’s more is that Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves, so even when we’re unsure as to what to pray, Jesus is presenting our case.

So, let’s return to the opening question: How can I pray for you? Knowing that Jesus prays for us, what would you want to bring to Jesus in a special way for his intercession? Is there something that’s weighing on your heart, making you sad, anxious or angry? Whatever your request, find comfort in bringing it to the One who is always on the job, speaking up for you!