But I have prayed for you ...

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“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.”
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Another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

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Is there a more touching commentary in all of scripture about our inability to live for God apart from the presence of the Holy Spirit? Do you sense how genuine Peter's confession was? Is there any doubt that he believed that he would die for his friend? When the rooster crows do you not weep with Peter? Can you not imagine the despair that this macho fisherman was experiencing when he could not find it in himself to simply say that he knew Jesus?

I am so glad that Peter's story did not end with bitter weeping! On a beach a few weeks after his denial Peter once again encountered the resurrected Christ and thrice confessed his love for the Him. On that day we saw a broken fisherman humbled and restored. Shortly after that Peter would be filled with the Spirit of God and witness boldly for the one he once denied. Is this not our story as well? I am so glad that Jesus prayed for Peter and now intercedes for us.

Where would I be if you did not pray for me Lord? I am so thankful for your advocacy and intercession.

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