1. Luke 22:31-34 (NKJV) 31 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

2. Luke 22:31-34 (NKJV) 33 But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” 34 Then He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.”

3. Prayer In Temptation Luke 22:31-34

5. Prayer In Temptation Certainly we have weapons at our disposal when we find ourselves being tempted Jesus used the scriptures to battle Satan in Matthew 4 His knowledge of God’s will helped Him to prove Satan a liar

6. Prayer In Temptation An account in Luke gives us some further insight into temptation and some help we can gain It’s this passage that contains a wealth of knowledge that can provide comfort to us today Let’s dissect Luke’s account…

7. Luke 22:31 Jesus here in this passage is addressing Peter, but not speaking of him only “you” in verse 31 is plural, meaning Peter and the rest of the apostles Satan has asked for them to test them and try and shake them from their faith

8. Luke 22:31 We can’t help but be reminded of Satan’s dealings with God over Job Satan can only do that which God allows him to do Hence why Satan makes a request for the apostles to try and reek havoc upon them

9. Luke 22:31 The Bible calls Satan “the accuser of our brethren” How would it make you feel to think about Satan coming before God and asking for you? Perhaps it could be an intimidating thought

10. Luke 22:32 “But I have prayed for you” The “you” here is singular, meaning that Jesus prayed for Peter Perhaps there is no more comforting thought than to know that Jesus is our mediator who goes to God on our behalf

11. Luke 22:32 Some ask why it was that He prayed specifically for Peter Peter seemed to be a leader among the apostles If Peter were to lose his faith, that could cause the others to follow suit (Jn. 21)

12. Luke 22:32 Jesus prayer was that Peter’s faith would not fail Jesus would tell Peter that he would deny Christ The request Jesus made for Peter was that his faith would not fail

13. Luke 22:32 When he would return to Jesus (repent), Jesus prayed that he would strengthen his brethren Again, this is the scene that we see in John 21 Peter was influential in his faith, so Jesus prayed that it would not fail

14. Role of Prayer Prayer should be an influential part of the Christian life We pray for all kinds of things We pray for the sick, for God’s blessings, for forgiveness, for protection, etc. Why should temptation be any different?

15. Role of Prayer We are taught to come boldly before the throne of God “that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16) “Casting all your care upon Him for He cares for you” (I Pet. 5:7) Jesus is willing to go to God for us

16. Role of Prayer Jesus spoke to this effect when He taught prayer in the Sermon on the Mount “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matt. 6:13) Prayer should be an integral part of our spiritual walk, especially when we face temptation