Before the Throne – The Presidential Prayer Team

We have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus. – Hebrews 10:19

Bart Millard’s song “I Can Only Imagine” states, “Surrounded by Your glory/ What will my heart feel?/ Will I dance for You Jesus/ Or in awe of You be still?/ Will I stand in Your presence?/ Or to my knees, will I fall?/ Will I sing hallelujah?/ Will I be able to speak at all?/ I can only imagine.”

It is hard to imagine standing before the very throne of God. Yet, spiritually speaking, that is what you do when you pray. The book of Hebrews gives an in-depth explanation of how that is possible through the blood of Christ. Before Christ, coming to God was a complicated process, with the high priest only being able to enter the Holy of Holies once a year to offer animal blood for the sins of the people. When Jesus died, He offered His own blood as the sacrifice for sin, once and for all. The temple curtain was torn in two, signifying that believers have free access to go confidently before God’s throne (Matthew 27:51). This is a remarkable thing.

Give the Lord thanks for this special gift and do not take it for granted. Boldly approach God’s throne of grace to receive mercy and help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). This nation has many needs, with great division between parties regarding how to solve them. Ask God to work in the hearts of governing officials and citizens so issues can be handled in unity and cooperation. Pray for a spiritual revival in this country and a whole-hearted turning toward the Savior.

Today’s Verse: Hebrew 10:19

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: Hebrews 4:12-16

¹²For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ¹³And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

¹⁴Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.