During the recent Power Up Your Prayer Life retreat I led in October, I devoted one session to powerful prayer attitudes.
Perhaps the most familiar came from Hebrews 4:16.
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16 NLT
Aren’t we thankful for the riches of God’s grace that brought Christ down to be our great high priest? The high priest who can sympathize, having been tempted as we are. The high priest who can relate to us in every way and whose sacrifice alone was sufficient to allow us to come with confidence into the throne room of our gracious God.
I find the imperative in Hebrews compelling. Come in. Bring your burdens and lay them down at the throne of mercy. Taken with Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 to bring our burdens so we can find rest, we should be emboldened to be burden-free.
However, I fear that I am often too bold. I often come to prayer with a heart that feels such great access that I lose sight of God’s greatness and majesty; His splendor and unapproachable light. The character of God is the very greatness and power that draws me to bring requests. I know He is willing and able to relieve my burdens and answer my petitions.
During the retreat, I wanted to be sure that those attending knew how to uncover the character of God whenever they were in the Word. We took Psalm 145:1-9 and marked it up to ensure we focused on God's attributes (not actions).
Take a moment to do that before you finish reading. Even if it is simply reading the passage on your phone (click the link provided) and making mental notes, take time to discover some of what the Bible says about our indescribable God.
I fear that I am often too bold. I often come to prayer with a heart that feels such great access that I lose sight of God’s greatness and majesty.
Here’s the question I was left with when reading this passage recently.
Do I stand in awe enough of the King of the universe who created and sustains everything by His word and the fact that He is mindful of me?
- Am I in awe of being chosen before the foundation of the world? (Eph 1:4)
- Am I amazed at being raised up and seated in the heavenlies because I am in Christ? (Eph 2:6)
- Am I astonished at being brought near to God by the blood of Christ? (Ephesians 2:13)
- Am I astounded enough by the access in the Spirit to the Father? (Ephesians 2:18)
I read recently that the greatness of God puts our corrupt nature in perspective so we can say with John Newton, “Amazing grace!” By acknowledging and rejoicing in the greatness of God, we gain a proper view of ourselves before we trusted Christ, so that we can be in awe of our relationship with Him.
Let us keep seeking the greatness of God in Scripture. It is full of all that we can possibly assimilate. Then let us allow that growing knowledge to cultivate our awe and humility, which will guide us with the perfect balance of boldness and humility to the throne room.
PRAYER: Lord, show me where I approach boldly, but without the humility of awe and reverence you are due.
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