Wesley L. Duewel: How we approach Christ's throne. All prayer is an approach to the throne of God.
Prayer is not a casual or trivial act but instead is an amazing privilege, a glory of God. He condescends to permit your approaching His throne.
But God has given you the gracious birthright of coming at any time and as often as you desire. The whole foundation of prevailing prayer is that God has given you constant, instant access to His throne and that He desires you to take a responsible and active role in His throne concerns.
On the one hand, you should always remember that you are approaching the actual Sovereign of the universe, seated in majesty on His throne.
This is picture is real, not merely symbolic. The hymn writer sand:
Thou art coming to a king;
Large petitions with thee bring.
You are a kingdom official on kingdom business. Prevailing prayer is urgent kingdom business.
On the other hand, you should always remember how loved you are, how awaited and constantly welcome. You disappoint your heavenly Father if you do not come often and with freedom.
You disappoint the Savior if you do not come interceding in His name. He longs to "amen" your prayer (Rev. 3:14) and join you in intercession.
1) Approach, remembering it is a throne of grace. It is indeed the throne of the universe—but it is equally the throne of grace (Heb. 4:16). Justice is its foundation (Ps. 89:14), but it is a throne of grace.
The book of Revelation pictures the Lamb of God upon the throne, and twenty-six times Christ is called the Lamb.
The throne of God is a throne of grace because God is the God of all grace (1 Peter 5:10). His Spirit is the Spirit of grace (Heb. 10:29).
Twelve times the Bible speaks of "the grace of our Lord Jesus." It is because of God's grace that His throne is open to you. This is His day of grace, when He longs to be gracious. Prevailing prayer enables God to be gracious.
2) Approach the throne with confident boldness. The word parresia in Hebrew 4:16 means freedom; unreservedness of speech; the absence of fear in speaking boldly, hence, confidence; and cheerful courage.
That is exactly the glorious freedom God gives you in entering His presence.
When your King urges you to come and make your requests known, why should you doubt him? With the Lord, who loved you enough to die for you, asking you to join Him in his intercession, why should you hesitate or fail to be eager to intercede and prevail in prayer?
3) Approach the throne with openness and sincerity. The all-seeing eye of God has observed every aspect of the need you bring before Him. He knows how it will influence his royal purpose and how urgently it is needed.
He knows all the reasons why the need is there. He desires you to share openly and fully, hiding nothing. Just as Hezekiah spread the threatening letter of Sennacherib before the Lord (Isa. 37:14), so you should present all the facts and reasons (1:18; 43:26).
The more fully you share the situation with the Lord, the more easily you will be able to prevail in prayer.
#25 Your Welcome to the Throne
by Wesley L. Duewel
(pp. 44-45) Zondervan
by Wesley L. Duewel
(pp. 44-45) Zondervan
(Google image and my emphasis added)
Thank you, Jesus, for paying such a price to enable me to have unrestricted entry into Your presence!
With the help of Your Holy Spirit within me, I know I'll learn how to be more effective in my prevailing prayer.
I'll make every effort to come boldly into Your presence and trust You to make the adjustments necessary to accomplish Your will in each concern that I have.
May my faith remain strong, to believe You'll hear me in heaven.
I ask this in the name of Jesus, my Savior. Amen.
May my faith remain strong, to believe You'll hear me in heaven.
I ask this in the name of Jesus, my Savior. Amen.
Today’s Bible verse: Matt. 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Today’s quotes: Marion Stroud "In the Old Testament, access to God in the tabernacle and the temple was limited. Only the high priest could go in through the curtain and offer sacrifices in the Most holy Place, and then only once a year (Lev. 16:2-20; Heb. 9:25-26).
But at the very moment Jesus died, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, showing that the barrier between man and God was destroyed forever (Mark 15:38).
Because of Christ's sacrifice for our sins, all those who love and follow Him can come into His presence at any time. He has given us the right of access." Marion Stroud (ODB 2/9/16)
~ Why Pray?- joelcomiskeygroup.com Blog
By Pastor Rob Campbell
WHY PRAY? Consider these thoughts.
First, to neglect prayer is a sin against God. “…Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you” (I Sam. 12:23).
Next, to share God’s perspective on His purposes. “When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny” (Psalm 73:16-17)
Third, to acknowledge dependence on Him, His leading and provision. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).
Fourth, to see God working in your life. “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and tell you great and mighty things which you do not know” (Jer. 33:3).
Finally, to express your love to the Lord. “I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live” (Psalm 116:1-2).
Our thought today: So we're challenged to pray! Let's take that challenge, and see what all God will do through us, as we agree with Him over the needs of others.
Upcoming posts:
#26 How to Further Approach the Throne
17th- Thursday’s post by Wesley L. Duewel
How Close to Christ are You?
19th- Saturday's post by Lee Forbes
The Power of the Word of God
20th- Sunday evening's post by R. A. Torrey
#27 The Reality of Throne Life
22nd- Tuesday's post by Wesley L. Duewel
A popular post:
Discovering God's Will "Would you say discovering God's will is like trying to catch a butterfly that's always just out of reach?
Or maybe you feel it's like fishing,.."
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