Love God Greatly - the Importance of Prayer: Approaching the Throne of GraceSample

Approach God with Confidence

Read: Hebrews 4:15–16

SOAP: Hebrews 4:16

Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help.

Into the text

In the Israelite sacrificial system, the high priest advocated for the people. The high priest would wash first, making sacrifices for his sins. Then, he would go into the temple on behalf of the people, making a sacrifice for all of their sins. He was the representative for the assembly, offering sacrifices to God so the entire nation would be cleansed from sin.

Jesus is our High Priest. Unlike the priests in the Old Testament, Jesus was without sin. He alone can offer a lasting sacrifice for our sins because He had no sin Himself. Even though He did not sin, He can still empathize with our weaknesses because He became human. By humbling Himself and taking on humanity, Jesus can be a High Priest on our behalf. He is the representative for us, the advocate who goes to God.

Because of His sacrifice, we have nothing to fear. We can approach God with confidence, no matter what we have done. Our sins are forgiven, and our relationship with God is restored. Our High Priest goes before us, offering us grace and mercy because He knows our weaknesses. We have an open invitation to draw near to Him, especially in our weaknesses and our failings.

Are you taking advantage of the privilege you have to run boldly to God in prayer? Are you surrendering to Him your joy, pain, struggles, and anxieties, trusting that He is the only One who can move mountains for you? Will you begin today to share all you are experiencing, good and bad, with the Lord in prayer?

Prayer

Father God, I thank You for sending me a Savior because I needed rescue, and I continue to need it each day. When my instinct is to run from You, when my inclination is to hide from You, when my urge is to lie to You, remind me that You know my frailties intimately, and have compassion and mercy stored up for me, overflowing when I come humbly to Your throne and lay it all at Your feet. In Jesus’ name, amen.