The King Says You Can Do It

Yeshua did it.  Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob did it.  Rabbi Paul did it.  So did Hannah.  King David certainly did it.  What did they do?  They all prayed because they believed they had the right to approach Almighty God.  Not just once, but endlessly.

They prayed continually because they believed that God exists, hears, and answers prayer.  They were not afraid as pagans might be.  They were not intimidated like Dorothy before the Wizard of Oz.  After all, they were made in God’s image.  

The concept of prayer is a corollary to the story of Creation.  The idea that man is made in the image of God implies that he has fellowship with God.  God is near to all who call upon Him in truth.  He fulfills the desire of those who fear Him.  He hears their cry and answers them with deliverance, honor, a vision of salvation, and a prolonged life (Psalm 91:15-16).

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you, prompts James 4:8.  In prayer, we present our petitions in His lofty sanctuary.  We tread in His magnificent courts.  Yet, we approach without fear – not merely because we have grabbed hold of Him and His covenants.  We enter His presence because the King opened the door.  He loved first.  He moved first.  He granted us the privilege of access.  He heard us before we spoke and said, "Enter in" (Isaiah 65:24).

Published January 31, 2017