HEBREWS 7:23-28: “Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.” NKJV
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OBSERVATION: Have you ever asked someone to pray for you? The answer to this question is obvious. We have all asked for prayer as we faced difficult decisions and circumstances in our lives. Yet, do we really believe that these prayers will be answered? Do we even know if the people we have asked to pray for us really will?

When you consider the life and ministry of Jesus, what stands out? What made Jesus’ ministry so effective? Was it because He was God in human flesh? We need to remember that when Jesus entered this world as a humble baby, He had emptied Himself of all His glory and power. When Jesus walked this earth He had at His disposal all the resources and tools that we have. Although He was born without sin, in His ministry and life He relied upon the Word of God, the power of the Holy Spirit, and prayer. Jesus prayed!

As we study the Gospels closely we will see a pattern in Jesus’ life. Over and over again He would slip away from His disciples, and the demands of ministry, and find a secluded place to pray to the Father. I believe this was the key to the effectiveness of Jesus’ life and ministry. Jesus said that He only spoke that which He heard the Father speak. Where did Jesus hear the Father speak? Jesus heard the Father speak as He abided with Him in prayer.

If we use a baseball analogy we could say that Jesus batted 1000! Every prayer that Jesus uttered before the Father was answered. And, every word that the Father spoke to Jesus was fulfilled. This is the difference between Jesus and us. Our sinful nature does not allow us to hear the Father’s voice the same way Jesus heard the Father. And, our lack of prayer limits our power and our effectiveness in carrying out the Father’s will. There is not a saint on this earth that bats 1000. The only one who holds this record is Jesus.

This may seem like a long preamble to make a simple point. Yet, it is a point that we so often miss. Jesus had a perfect prayer life. He abided in perfect communion with the Father and the Holy Spirit while He walked this earth. Every one of Jesus’ prayers was answered. And, here is what we need to grasp,

JESUS IS STILL PRAYING. AND HE IS PRAYING FOR ME (YOU)!

• “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”

Jesus is our High Priest. He is “…holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.” (Hebrews 7:26-27). As our High Priest, He stands before the Father, and He lives to pray for us! And, here is what I need to grasp.

JESUS’ PRAYERS ARE ALWAYS ANSWERED!

Through Jesus’ intercession for me, I am assured that I will be saved to the uttermost. The word translated “uttermost,” literally means – entirely, to the full end. This means that Jesus is interceding for me this very moment, in this hour of need. It also means that He will continue to intercede for me until His will and calling for my life is fulfilled. He is a faithful High Priest. He is my living High Priest. He stands between me and the Father and He also stands between the Father and the enemy on my behalf!

• “Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” Romans‬ ‭8:33-34‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

This morning, no matter what I am facing, I have the assurance that Jesus is praying for me! He will not forget to intercede on my behalf. He will not allow an accusation to be lifted up against me before the Father. He stands as my Savior, Baptizer in the Holy Spirit, Healer, and Soon Coming King. He is my Great High Priest. He is working on my behalf to save me to the uttermost!

Lord Jesus, thank you for interceding for me today! May I walk in this assurance. May I walk in the hope of eternal life. May I always remember this truth,

JESUS IS PRAYING FOR ME, AND HIS PRAYERS ARE ALWAYS ANSWERED!

In Jesus Name!