Daniel Rose: The Pastor Next Door

We continue our series on spiritual practices, building upon the importance of practice as preparation for life’s challenges. This week, we focus on prayer. Hebrews 4:14-16 provides a foundation: “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Many find prayer challenging. It can feel like a mere formality, a quick ritual before meals or travel, often forgotten afterwards. We treat it transactionally, like a shopping list or a magic charm, missing its deeper purpose.

Hebrews 4 reorients us. Verse 16 invites us to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.” This is a striking image, especially considering the historical context of kings and emperors. To approach a human ruler’s throne required strict etiquette and trepidation. Yet, we are invited to approach God’s throne, not of judgment, but of grace, with confidence.

This throne is a place of acceptance and love, where we receive mercy and grace. Prayer, then, is the confident entry into God’s presence. God is omnipresent, so we are always in His presence. Prayer is the intentional acknowledgment of this presence. It is not confined to a specific location, posture, or words.

Prayer is simply acknowledging and entering God’s presence intentionally. It can occur at a stoplight, during a walk, or before sleep. Falling asleep while praying can be a blessing, a sign of God’s peace.

We can approach God’s throne with confidence because Jesus, our great high priest, understands our weaknesses. He empathizes with us, welcoming us with open arms. Prayer is not a transactional exchange but an intentional communion with God. It is a restoration of the fellowship enjoyed in the Garden of Eden, a walk with God without shame or fear.

How do we practice this? Here are three practical drills:

1. Pray the Lord’s Prayer daily. Recite it word for word, allowing its meaning to resonate. This prayer, found in Matthew 6:9-13, shapes our perspective and prompts reflection.
2. Read a Psalm daily. The Psalms are prayers of God’s people, offering insight into their communion with God.
3. Practice gratitude journaling. At the end of each day, write down three things you are grateful for. This practice reinforces gratitude and deepens reflection.

These drills are not magical incantations but practices that reshape our vision and understanding of prayer. They help us approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, receiving mercy and grace in our time of need.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting us into Your throne room of grace. Help us to approach You with confidence, receiving Your mercy and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Life throws punches. Hiding won't help. Jesus, in Matthew 7, compares life to building a house: on rock (His teachings practiced) or sand (hearing only). Storms test our foundation.

"Hear and do" is key. Many hear, few practice. Like athletes training, we must practice faith. Love your enemy? Don't judge? Live it. Practice prepares us for storms, not avoids them.

Hardship tests faith. Without practice, we falter. Following Jesus is challenging, but His yoke is easy with practiced faith.

We build on the rock through prayer, Scripture, service, community, and fasting. These aren't to earn salvation, but to prepare for life's inevitable storms: heartache, pain, a broken world.

Are we prepared? Practice, not just hearing, builds a strong foundation. We'll explore these practices in the coming weeks.