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I. The ESSENTIAL FACTS involved in the occurrence.

1. It was an hour full of trial and danger for all the disciples.

2. Peter especially was in danger.

3. Christ prayed, not simply for them all, but for Peter particularly and personally.

4. The specific point in his spiritual condition to which the prayer was directed, was the preservation of his "faith."

5. Christ also advised him of all the facts in the case — of the greatness of the peril, the source of it, and the duty of the hour.

II. The PRACTICAL TRUTHS it teaches for all time.

1. Christ really interposes to save His people when in peril.

2. He intercedes for particular persons.

3. Christ's intercessions go into effect only through the moral or spiritual state of the disciple.

4. Faith is the special element of the Christian's security.

5. Christ's prayers, as well as His design and desire, as to each one, look beyond the individual to others. "Strengthen thy brethren."

6. Christ's intercessions are not in vain, but take effect even when they seem to fail.

(M. Valentine, D. D.)

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KJV: And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

WEB: The Lord said, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat,