Paul approached God’s throne, and the Lord answered “My grace is all you need (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT).”
Eleven years later, Paul, or someone who knew his story, wrote this, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16 ESV).”
God’s throne is a throne of grace because that’s what we can be certain God will give when we pray.
If you are saved* you do not need to be afraid to die.
Walking through the valley of the shadow of death with the Good Shepherd is part of everyone’s life journey. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me (Psalm 23:4).
*For by grace you have been saved, through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is a gift of God (Ephesians 2:8).
When we pray “Your kingdom come” we’re talking to our Father, the King of kings, who is seated on a throne of grace.
He reigns with grace, giving favor, blessing and gifts we don’t deserve.
“Moses pleaded with the Lord to remove all the flies. And the Lord did as Moses asked and caused the swarms of flies to disappear (Exodus 9:30).”*
Don’t complicate prayer. It is profoundly simple.
Even now my witness is in heaven.
My advocate is there on high.
I pour out my tears to God (Job 16:19-20).
I read Job 38-40 as though God were speaking to me. I was silenced and overwhelmed by God’s greatness.
Here’s some of what God asked:
Where you there when I laid the foundations of the earth (Job 38:4)?
Have you ever commanded the morning to appear (Job 38:12)?
Do you know where the gates of death are located (Job 38:17)?
Are you as strong as God (Job 40:9)?
What is your response?
“To place the infinity here below in contact, by medium of thought, with the infinity on high, is called praying.”*
Victor Hugo, Les Miserables, p.321.
Pour out your hearts like water to the Lord. Lift up your hands to him in prayer (Lamentations 2:19).
Water, poured out, flows into a new shape.
A heart, poured out to the Lord, is shaped to desire and trust God’s perfect will.
Prayer is a mutual holding between God and us.
I am your God . . . I will uphold you with my righteous hand (Isaiah 41:10).
We hold on to what we have until Jesus comes (from Revelation 2:25).
We ask.
God answers.
We thank Him.
We tell others.
God is praised!
