Today is the 20th day of Lent, a 40 day season of spiritual reflection, repentance, and renewal. During these 40 days we’ll explore the prayer life of Jesus, walking chronologically through every mention of Jesus’ prayer life and prayers in the Gospels.
Here is today’s prayer event: 31″Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.” (Luke 22:31-34 ESV)
Jesus knows that Peter is about to deny him. One of Jesus’ three closest friends is about to stab him in the back. Still, Jesus prays for him. Jesus prays that Peter’s “faith may not fail.” Jesus spends some of his last moments praying for the faith of one who won’t even have the courage to admit that he is a follower of Jesus.
Whether you keep a mental or written prayer list, how many people like Peter are on it? My tendency is to remove from my prayer list the people who make my life painful. Jesus’ tendency is to add them to his list. Who are the challenging, difficult, irritating, disappointing, and aggravating people in your life? Add them to your prayer list and start praying!
[image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tobi0406/3204211926/]
Great reminder, Chris! Thanks!
Ouch!
I just realized that when I am confronted with those challenging, difficult, irritating, disappointing, and aggravating people in my life, I pray for…myself! I pray to be patient and not to be curt or dismissive. But I have to admit, too, that I pray for an interruption or for the people to go away. I will put these people on my prayer list now and will pray for their welfare, Thanks for the reminder!
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