Does Jesus Pray for Us? What the Bible Says

Does Jesus pray for us? The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ intercedes for those who belong to Him. Even now, the risen Christ represents believers before the Father and continues His work as their perfect High Priest.

This means Christians are never left to face their spiritual struggles alone. Jesus knows their weaknesses, understands their needs, and intercedes on their behalf.

What Does It Mean That Jesus Intercedes for Us?

To intercede means to appeal on someone else’s behalf. Hebrews 7:25 describes the continuing ministry of Jesus:

Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
—Hebrews 7:25 (LSB)

Jesus completed the sacrifice for sin through His death on the cross. After rising from the dead, He ascended to heaven and now intercedes for His people.

Romans 8:34 says that Christ is at God’s right hand and “also intercedes for us” (Romans 8:34, LSB).

Who Does Jesus Pray For?

During His earthly ministry, Jesus prayed specifically for His disciples. He also prayed for everyone who would later believe in Him through their message:

I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word.
—John 17:20 (LSB)

This prayer includes people throughout history who genuinely place their faith in Jesus Christ. Those who belong to Christ have the assurance that their Savior represents them before the Father.

How Can I Be Saved?

Salvation does not come from joining a church, walking down an aisle, signing a pledge card, or performing a religious ritual. Baptism is an important act of obedience for a Christian, but baptism and other good works do not earn salvation.

The Bible teaches that salvation is received by God’s grace through faith:

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, so that no one may boast.
—Ephesians 2:8–9 (LSB)

To respond to the gospel:

• Recognize that you have sinned and cannot save yourself.
• Believe that Jesus Christ died for sinners and rose from the dead.
• Repent by turning away from sin and toward God.
• Confess Jesus Christ as Lord.
• Trust Christ alone for forgiveness and eternal life.

These actions do not earn salvation. They describe a sincere response of faith to the saving work of Jesus Christ.

God Draws People to Jesus

If you feel a new conviction about your sin or a desire to come to Christ, God through the Holy Spirit may be drawing you to accept His Son as your Lord and Savior. Jesus said:

No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.
—John 6:44 (LSB)

Do not ignore God’s call or assume you will always have another opportunity. This life is the time to repent, believe the gospel, and place your faith in Jesus Christ. There is no second chance to accept Christ after you die. 

Can Good Works Save Me?

No amount of good works can erase sin or earn God’s favor. Salvation is entirely a gift of God’s grace.

Good works still have an important place in the Christian life. They do not produce salvation; they follow salvation. Ephesians 2:10 teaches that believers are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.

Christians obey God because they have been saved, not to make themselves worthy of being saved.

Jesus Intercedes for His People

Jesus does more than provide an example for Christians to follow. He saves, keeps, and intercedes for those who draw near to God through Him.

If you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ, you can find comfort in knowing that He represents you before the Father. When you struggle, confess your sins, seek God in prayer, and continue trusting the Savior who lives to intercede for you.

Watch this one-minute video about how Jesus intercedes for believers.

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More One-Minute Bible Teachings

Watch more one-minute Bible teachings from Pastor John Haggard.