But I have prayed for you, Simon that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers
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 has asked to sift all of you as wheat.” Jesus didn’t conclude by saying "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 but no, Jesus said "But I have prayed for you, that your 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 have 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.
O Jesus, what a comfort it is that You have pleaded our cause against our unseen enemies; countermined their mines, and unmasked their ambushes.
- Writing of Charles Spurgeon (@Heartlight)