| The other day I had a young person ask me this question, “Do I think Jesus prays for him?” A little caught off guard because of the depth of the question, it took me a minute to reset. My answer was “Sure he does.” Figuring I needed to firm up my answer, I referred him to Hebrews 7:24-25, “…but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” In this passage, Jesus continually intercedes for us. Even as you read this devotional, Jesus intercedes for us. When we wake up, go about our day, go to sleep, and do it all over the next day…Jesus intercedes. He is constantly and continually interceding. If Jesus is interceding for you right now, wouldn’t prayer be part of intercession? When we intercede for another, we pray. Same with Jesus—continually interceding, continually praying. For me, this brings me great comfort. Often, we live with a one-and-done theology. Jesus’ sacrificial act on the cross and God’s raising him from the dead—one-and-done. Justification by God for the person who believes—one-and-done. Though these are true, there can be an assumption that Jesus’ act of intercession is a one-and-done act. After those acts are completed, we think Jesus goes on to something else. Nope! He continually intercedes. As you go about your week, do so with the understanding that Jesus is interceding for you. He interceded yesterday, he is interceding today and will intercede tomorrow. Allow this hope to guide and direct you.  This Week’s Readings: *Monday – Luke 11 *Tuesday – Luke 12 *Wednesday – Luke 13 *Thursday – Luke 14 *Friday – Luke 15 Prayer Requests: -Our unwillingly absent members. -Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not. -Comfort those who are grieving and in distress. -Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times. -Guidance for those seeking to find their way. -Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC. |
| “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6 |