Prayers in the Throne Room

Hebrews 4:14-16 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, 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 sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are -- yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Revelation 5:8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God's people.

I love praying with people. I love to join in prayer with those of all ages, of all denominations, on all points of the journey... I love praying with people whose prayers are like poetry, and with those whose prayers are precious in their simplicity... It is a blessing to hear each prayer... each is beautiful to me. 

Our prayers are beautiful to God. Scripture tells us that we may approach the throne of grace because of what Jesus did for us. When we pray, we are entering into the throne room with confidence. That image simply fills me with awe. As we pray, we enter the throne room... and God is there, with Jesus at His right hand, listening to our prayers. And every prayer is important; every prayer is heard. 

I can imagine all the prayers held in those golden bowls of incense... mingled with the prayers of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Hannah, David, Solomon, Ruth, Isaiah, Daniel, Jeremiah, Mary, Peter, Paul...  mingled with the prayers of Jane, Tom, Sarah, Jason, Rob, Michael, Elisabeth, Bruce, Arlene, Chris... all the prayers of desperation, fear and worry... the prayers for comfort, healing and strength... the prayers for provision, wisdom and discernment... the prayers of thanksgiving, worship and praise... the tentative prayers, the bold prayers, and the questioning prayers... all are significant, all are heard. Each and every one.  

Heavenly Father, we humbly, yet boldly, approach Your throne of grace and pray. Father, we come to You, knowing that You hear our prayers. LORD, we know that our prayer is a sweet conversation with You... thank You for Your grace, thank You for Your mercy, and thank You for Your undeniable love for us. I praise You, and give You all honor and glory. In the mighty, loving, awesome name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.