Hebrews 4:16. 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.
The moment we received and believed in Jesus as the Christ, we were given the right to become children of God (John 1:12). As God’s children, we now have the privilege to approach His throne of grace with confidence and receive answers to our prayers. These answers do not come because of anything we’ve done, but simply because of who we are—His beloved children.
God has also given us the name of Jesus as our guarantee: “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” (John 16:24)
The name of Jesus is the master key that opens every door in heaven and on earth (Matthew 16:19). That’s why our prayers, offered in His name, are powerful and effective (James 5:16).
When we pray, it’s vital that we pray with an earnest heart and clear requests. Jesus illustrated this through a parable:
“Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity, he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.” (Luke 11:5–8)
This is how we are to come to our Father—in boldness and confidence. By the blood of Jesus, we have access to the Most Holy Place. Through Him, a new and living way has been opened to us (Hebrews 10:19–20).
So don’t lose heart when you pray. Trust the One who does not delay in answering. Jesus reminded us:
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: ‘In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’For some time, he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’And the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?’” (Lk 18:1-8).
In the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge, Jesus taught that if even an indifferent judge could be moved by persistence, how much more will our loving Father respond to those who cry out to Him day and night. He will bring justice swiftly.
God is not like the unjust judge. He listens intently, like a tender Father leaning in to hear His child: “Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath.” (Psalm 116:2)
When trials and suffering come—especially for the sake of the gospel—don’t give in to discouragement. Keep bringing your case before the righteous Judge. He will answer in His perfect time. So, give all your worries to Him. Turn every concern into a prayer:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7)
Every problem is an opportunity to experience God’s power and an invitation to prayer. When you respond with thanksgiving and trust, you’ll be filled with God’s peace and begin to see His answers unfold in your life.
You are no longer a child of the devil—you are a child of the Most High God. You have been born from above. So, pray like a child of heaven.
Ask for what is above. Draw down every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms into your everyday life. Through your prayer, the reality of God’s kingdom can break through here on earth.
And when it does, the kingdom of Satan will fall. Wherever God sends you, people living in darkness will see the light of the gospel.
Prayer. Father, help me pray like a child of the Most High God. Strengthen my faith and help me overcome any unbelief when I come before You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.