“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
(Hebrews 4:14-16)
What may be some reasons preventing us from going to God in prayer?
Sometimes it could be due to fear. We are afraid of approaching someone as high and holy as God. We are afraid of how he might respond to us in our weakness and sins.
Or it could be due to pride. We would rather trust in our own wisdom and strength to solve our problems than look to God. Praying is often the last resort after we have exhausted all other options.
Or it could be because of unbelief. We don’t believe that God is able or even willing to help us. God seems far away and may even be preoccupied with more “important” business. He may not have time to pay attention to our small and insignificant struggles!
The Holy Spirit encourages us to get rid of all wrong thinking and start the week in humble and dependent prayer to God!
Our Lord Jesus is not only all powerful and able (“he has ascended into heaven”), he also understands all that we are going through (“he has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin”). And he is our great high priest – the One who represents us before God!
Therefore God’s invitation is clear: come before God’s throne with confidence in every situation… whether it is in asking for forgiveness for sins or when you are going through difficulties or trouble.
And his promise is this: you will receive mercy for your sins as you repent and find his strength and wisdom for help in very specific ways!
Have a blessed day praying to God today🙏