Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace. (Hebrews 4:16) We must not come before the Lord in arrogance or presumption, for it is to a “throne” that we are invited to come, although that throne is “the throne of grace.” I have heard prayers that have seemed to me like dictating to God, rather than the humble, reverent petitions which should be presented from us to our maker, or by the children of God to their loving Father in heaven. We are to come boldly to the throne of grace, yet always with submission in our hearts, even as Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, “Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” I think that this adverb “boldly” means that we may come constantly, at all times. Even the patrons of a kingdom could not just go before the king whenever they wanted. Although Esther was made queen by Ahasuerus, she was not allowed to go near him unless she was specifically called, but that’s not the case with us. The path to the throne of grace is always open, there are no guards or police to bar the way of those who come in the right spirit. There are no set times for prayer, one hour is as good as any other for coming to the throne of grace. Whenever the Spirit of God inclines the heart to pray, the ear of God is open to hear our supplications, and the mouth of God is open to grant us gracious answers of peace. “Boldly” also means that we don’t have to hold anything back from God, with all sorts of petitions. Whatever it is that lies as a burden on your heart, come with it to the throne of grace. Do you really need something huge from the Lord? Then, come and ask for it. Or do you need some little thing? Then, come and ask for it. Have you some care that is crushing you? Come and leave it at the mercy seat. Have you some little care that worries you, some thorn in the flesh, some messenger from Satan to buffet you? Come and tell your God all about it, cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. He will not be angry with you for asking so much from Him, and don’t imagine that you will insult Him by asking Him for little things. He is not annoyed. If you are a believer in Jesus, God is your Father, so speak to Him as you would to earthly fathers, only have far more confidence in coming to Him than you would have in approaching the parents that you love so much. Yes, more confidence. “Boldly” also means that we may come freely, with simple words. Do not say, “My words are not good enough to speak to God, I need to get a book of prayers and learn how to pray better” Please don’t! Your Father in heaven does not want you to come to Him in a stiff, formal way, but just to cry out, as simply and naturally as possible, the desires of your heart. Dear Lord, help us to come to you boldly, without reservation or intimidation. We know that you accept us just as we are because you see us and know our hearts. “Our Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.” (Luke 11:2-4) Taken from the sermon, BOLDNESS AT THE THRONE (NO. 3182). Published on Thursday, January 27, 1910, Delivered by C.H. Spurgeon GiGi❤️
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