How comforting to know our Redeemer never stops praying for us. When we pray, He pleads for us, and even when we don't, He advocates on our behalf and protects us from unseen dangers. Remember what He said to Peter: "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat; but." He doesn't say, "Go and pray for yourself," though that's good advice. Nor does He promise, "I'll keep you watchful so you're safe," though that would be a blessing. Instead, He says, "I've prayed for you, that your faith may not fail." We barely grasp how much we owe to our Savior's prayers. When we reach heaven and look back at our journey, we'll praise Him who undid Satan's work. We'll thank Him for never being silent but always pointing to His wounds and bearing our names.

Before Satan could even tempt us, Jesus was already pleading for us in heaven. Mercy outpaces malice. Notice that He doesn't just acknowledge Satan's desire; He stops it in its tracks. He doesn't say, "I've wanted to pray for you." No, He says, "I've prayed for you. It's already done. I've made a counterplea before an accusation was even leveled." Jesus, what a comfort it is that You've defended us against unseen enemies, undermined their plans, and revealed their traps. This fills us with joy, gratitude, hope, and confidence.