Word for the Day - 31

Jesus: "At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name." John 16:23 (NLT)

Before His death and subsequent resurrection Jesus told the disciples about a change in the relationship between them and God. Before that time people approached God through a priest, but since Jesus’ resurrection we as believers are called 'royal priests' (1 Peter 2:9; Hebrews 10:11-25; read these below for more context)

We are now able to approach God personally and directly, not on our own merit but because Jesus has made us acceptable to God. This is a new relationship with God. Jesus goes on in verse 24 to urge his disciples: “Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy." (NLT)

My practice is to pray to the Father and yet I ask “in the name of Jesus.” This way I am expectant and I believe that God has heard my prayer. I am also thankful since I am reminded of what Jesus has done for me.

Let’s pray...

Father may your Holy Spirit in me help me to understand the significance of Jesus' forgiveness of my sins. I am washed and clean and able to pray directly to you Father. You love me with an everlasting love. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Hebrews 10:11-25

11 Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. 14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says:
16 “This is the covenant I will make with them
    after that time, says the Lord.
I will put my laws in their hearts,
    and I will write them on their minds.”
17 Then he adds:
“Their sins and lawless acts
    I will remember no more.”

18 And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.

19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 

23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.