Prayer: A Means Of Grace

Prayer: A Means of Grace

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

This verse helps us catch a vision for the gift of prayer, for it is a grand and matchless invitation to come to the throne of our loving, gracious God to receive his mercy and grace in time of need. This is not a throne that dispenses condemnation or criticism. It is a throne that dispenses unlimited grace. To think that God has stored up and made available all the resources you and I need—not only for today but for every challenge and problem in the future—can cause us to breathe a sigh of relief and deep thanks.

This supply of grace and blessing—provision, wisdom, perseverance in times of trial; strength when we’re weak; and resources to live lives that honor God—has our names on it. All that is necessary is for us to come, to not try to do life all by ourselves by managing people or situations, but to embrace and believe the truth of Hebrews 4:16 and open the doors of our hearts to Jesus through prayer. And how are we to come? This verse says boldly, as beloved daughters of the King, adopted and accepted in Christ. Just as presidents have invited their young children into the Oval Office to climb up on their laps, we are to come to God’s throne through the way he has provided—this wonderful means of grace called prayer. The door is open! God gave his only Son and moved heaven and earth to provide access to his presence. If we catch a vision for what an incredible gift prayer is, we will have a fresh-brewed prayer life and spiritual life. Will you accept the invitation to come into God’s presence? A great storehouse of blessing is waiting for you. —CHERI

Dear Father, thank you for making your throne of grace accessible to me. What a great gift! What a loving invitation! I put my trust in you and come for the mercy and grace and help you have for me today.

In the morning, prayer is the key that opens to us the treasures of God’s mercies and blessings; in the evening, it is the key that shuts us up under his protection and safeguard. —UNKNOWN