Praying for Protection

Have you ever searched the Gospels and read the prayers Jesus prayed to His Father? There is so much to be learned when you stop and think about the things He prayed about. I am just focusing on one part of one of His prayers today because I have felt a heaviness for those who are hurting and broken or trapped. So I looked up one of Jesus' prayers to see what He prayed.

John 17: 15,20
"I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one...I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message."

Jesus knew protection was needed from Satan and his demons. His prayer included you and me, even though we were not alive at the time, when He said "for all who will ever believe". Can you imagine listening to Jesus pray for you--personally? He knew that you would come under the attack of the evil one. He knew that only God can protect you. And He is continuing to intercede for you in front of the Father. He knows you by name and your name has been uttered in front of the God of the universe by His Son Jesus Christ.

I think if I heard Jesus say my name and no other words I would be brought to tears like Mary at the tomb. Her eyes clouded by tears, she didn't recognize the man standing in front of her. She mistook him for a guard and asked, "Where have you taken my Lord" because the tomb was empty. And to her astonishment the voice that spoke to her was Jesus' voice. She knew it immediately even though He never identified himself. All He had to say was, "Mary".

Jesus is saying your name, perhaps even as I write this. He has been asking for your protection and continues to do so. He is your interceder and mediator. What comfort and security!

Who needs you to intercede for them today? Is it someone who knows Jesus well, but is facing a trial or temptation? Is it someone who still has not given Jesus ultimate control of their life? Pray for their protection from the evil one like Jesus did for you and me when he still walked on this earth. If Jesus felt it was important to pray about, then it needs to be important to us.