“’Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.’ Peter said to him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.’ 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).
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!
What difficult people or groups may challenge what God wishes to do through Highland in the near future? Pray for them.
