Pray In Confidence

Let’s talk about prayer. Turn with me to Hebrews 4. Some quick background to this book. Hebrews is a book written to Jewish people in Rome. The purpose was to encourage them from to mature in their faith and not slip back into Judaism; the Law. So what does the author, who is unknown, have to say about prayer. We all understand prayer is important but there are times we need refreshers on why it is important. Prayer or a synonym for prayer shows up 211 time throughout the Bible and countless times outside. Prayer is our way of communicating to God but why? Look with me at verses 14-16 at the end of the chapter.

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Okay why in the world did the author have to tell us Jesus is our High Priest who passed through the heaven and shares in our weakness? (Allow Ponder) What we don’t see is that chapter 1 set us up for this moment. He is reiterating that Jesus is like no other god. Passed through give us an indication that Jesus came from His high place. Not only that but shared in our weaknesses. He was tempted yet did not sin. Which one of your gods has done that for you lately? Did they transcend time and space to sympathize the you? But for some reason that’s where we often go for validation. We pray to the one who step into time so that we may know he is God who sees our weaknesses and pains. This is why we can hold firm to our confession to our belief. Confession of what? Our faith in Him.HE saved you this is why we pray.

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I love this. He says, “Therefore...” What is therefore? it is a transitional word. And what does it mean? For that reason; because of that. You see where I am going? Because of who Jesus is and what he is done, we can come boldly to the throne and receive mercy and find grace. Stop for a moment. Is there any mention of a sin that was commited? Then why do we need mercy and grace? What man believers believe is that we only need mercy and grace when we do wrong but I beg to differ. As we seek to become like Christ and allow him to transform us, we will realize we need it everyday. Understand that this book is urging us to mature. And as we mature, we will need grace and mercy more. So come to the throne of our gracious God holding firm to your belief and confidence in him and allow our High Priest give you mercy and grace because we need it today.

(PRAY)