Coming to his throne of grace

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:13-15

In a recent survey (Pew Research on Religion) showed that most people pray. The survey mentioned that a good portion of the prayers are directed toward an unknown “higher being.” From the text, one can conclude that God wants those who come to Him in prayer believe in the name of Jesus. As soon as we become the child of God by acknowledging Jesus as Lord of our life, we are given a privilege to come boldly to His throne of grace. The confidence to pray rests upon the assurance that prayer is a means of expressing one’s relationship with God. Confidence in approaching God in prayer is born out of the assurance of having a personal relationship with Him. Then it follows that this relationship as well guides how a believer prays to God. The assurance of answered prayer is by asking God in accordance with His will. The disappointment in prayer comes when God does not answer the prayer offered not in accordance with His will. It is important then that we seek to know what the will of the Lord is. “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is” (Ephesians 5:17). It takes growth towards maturity to be able to learn and discern what Scriptural principles should guide the prayers of Christ’s followers. Prayer then becomes an acknowledgement in the life of the believer to live their lives pleasing to God seeking His glory. They abide in His word so that their prayers will be in line with His will. “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples” (John 15:7-8). Prayer is seeing things and circumstances in God’s point of view. When we grow and mature in our study of His word, we begin praying not seeking our wants answered in prayers offered to God but we learn how to seek God’s will be done in our lives and our circumstances. “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus... let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings” (Hebrews 10:19, 22).

Blessings,

Noel De Guzman

www.my-wbc.com