Hebrews 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has
passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our
confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot
sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are,
yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Ezekiel Hopkins writes: "All access was barred against sinners until
Christ opened a passage for us by his own death and precious blood.
Shall we not make use of this privilege purchased for us at so dear a
rate? Nothing is so desirable in this world as a faithful friend, to
whom we may at all times unburden ourselves, and make all our secrets
and grievances known. Prayer directs us to go to God himself; he is our
most faithful friend who can best counsel and help us."
We ought to make use of this privilege of access to God's throne of
grace and contemplate how we might take more advantage of this
privilege. Psalm 20 encourages us to approach God's throne in prayer.
1 May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;
2 May He send you help from the sanctuary, And strengthen you out of Zion;
3 May He remember all your offerings, And accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah
4 May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, And fulfill all your purpose.
5 We will rejoice in your salvation, And in the name of our God we will
set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.
6 Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from
His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
8 They have bowed down and fallen; But we have risen and stand upright.
9 Save, LORD! May the King answer us when we call.
Father in heaven, help us to see how great a privilege we have in
prayer. Help us to make use of the access we have to your throne of
grace. Oh Lord, answer us when we call. Send help when we need it this
week. Only let us remember to give thanks and praise to your great
name. Thank you for Jesus, our great High Priest who has passed through
the heavens and cares so much for us. In His name. Amen.
Hopkins wrote that "Our prayers
are like two buckets in a well. Our prayers ascend to God in heaven, and
his mercies and blessings descend upon us." Send up buckets full of
prayers and then look for buckets full of blessings.
