Jesus leaned toward Peter, warning him of severe testing headed his way. Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to me, strengthen your brethren.

I’m taken back by the fact the Jesus and Satan regularly communicated. Of course, Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, but apparently the conversation continued. Then I remember Job, another man Satan sifted like wheat.

Jesus prayed for Simon Peter, for a return to faith after failure and a resolve to serve his fellow believers from a new, humbled position. Peter indeed returned and served and led, all the way to his martyrdom in Rome.

Jesus’s prayer for Peter during his sifting brings to mind three prayers to practice today:

First, pray for each other as we endure sifting. Pray especially for spiritual leaders and those pursuing the Lord. Satan sifted Peter, attacked Job and tempted Jesus. We live in a spiritual battle zone, where violent shaking occurs regularly.

Second, Peter suffered crucifixion, and the list of martyrs grows to this day. In many countries people face hostility simply for their faith in Jesus. Estimates vary widely, but on the low end 100 people a week are murdered throughout the world. Pray for these men, women and children to endure in the face of persecution.

Third, as Jesus restored Peter after his three denials, pray for our restoration as well. Pray for Jesus to touch even the hardest kernels of doubt and mistrust. Pray for his touch in the lives of friends and family who’ve walked away from the faith. Ask Jesus to restore as he restored Peter.

Sifting—tests of our faith—certainly arise. But thanks be to Jesus, who walks with us through such trials and waits to restore each of us when we emerge.

Luke 22 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by TUAN ANH TRAN