Sin separates us from God; it is true. But notice something interesting that happened at the cross:
And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. (51) At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split... Matthew 27:50-51 NIV
There was a veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (where God’s presence was) in the temple. Only the High Priest could go into the Most Holy Place, and he could only go in once per year. This symbolized that sinners could not come into God’s presence, the way had not yet been opened.
But when Jesus died on the cross, the temple curtain or veil (possibly over 60 feet high) was torn in two, from top to bottom telling us God tore the curtain in two, not man. There is so much symbolism in all this for us to reflect on:
Jesus’ body on the cross was torn for us, to redeem our torn lives that were controlled by self-destructive emotions and thoughts. The temple veil was torn for us so now we are all invited right into God’s presence.
Did you know that you can come into God’s presence right now? You can because at Jesus’ death He removed your sin, and so He also removed your separation and opened the way for you to come into God’s presence.
Hebrews 4:16 NLT So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Please read the following quote on gospel prayer:
“The core of the gospel is that we have nothing, contribute nothing, bring nothing to God. Prayer, which is made possible by the gospel and shaped by the gospel, works the same way. God gives to us; we don’t give to God. We ask; he gives. Prayer depends on what he has done in us and for us, and on what he will do in us and for us.” Gary Millar from Six Prayers God Always Answers
Question 3. What are your thoughts about this quote on gospel prayer? What do you think this type of prayer would look like in your own life?
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Tori writes, "I will come to the thrown more humbly, I’ll recognize Jesus sacrifice more and I’ll seek God without holding on so desperately to other things."
Yes, even our prayer is based on grace which we have been given in the New Covenant through the death and resurrection of Jesus. You might like to read a Comparison of Old and New Covenants. We pour out our hearts to the Lord in prayer, and then we wait for Him to speak, and we listen to Him. “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Psalm 27:14 NIV). He will speak to you, probably not audibly but in a “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:11-13) in your heart.
This waiting on Him and listening to Him is so important. It turns one-way prayer into two-sided communication. It provides all the excitement, thrill and rush of prayer. It is actually created human beings communicating with the God Who made them, the God Who loves them.
Caution: don’t become discouraged if you don’t hear an audible voice, as God speaks spiritually, in our hearts and through His Word (Hebrews 1:1-3). In other words, wait on Him and listen to Him, but take it by faith that He is communicating to you in thoughts from His Word, the Bible. The Spirit of God will remind you of Bible truths and speak to you in that way (John 14:26).
Can we pause a moment and fill our hearts with worship for the One Who speaks to us in prayer and expands our hearts in love for Him.
But how do we pray? Notice what Paul says to the Ephesians about prayer:
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. Ephesians 6:18 NIV