“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

This verse encourages us to come to the Throne of God, not timidly or afraid, but confident that we’re coming into the presence of our Abba Father. Imagine someone coming into the Throne Room with an attitude demanding that God meet their needs in the way they want! No! “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” (Psalms 100:4). When we go to God in prayer, we should come before Him praising Him and thanking Him for all He’s already done for us and what He has planned before making our needs known. Actually, He already knows what our needs are, (Matthew 6:8).

Years ago, I learned of a pattern of prayer that follows this idea: A C T S. A-Adoration and praise. Start off with this. C-Confess our sins and ask forgiveness. T– Thank God for everything. Then, S-Speak our needs. What a good pattern of prayer for us to use. And sometimes, we can just go to God with nothing but praise and thanksgiving. I know He’d like that.

I heard story years ago about a boy who came to the palace to see the King and brought his poor, dirty friend with him. As he came up to the door of the throne room and stepped inside, the guards stopped him. They said, “What do you mean bringing this filthy kid into the king’s chambers?” “Go away and clean him up!” Then the guards heard the voice from the throne, “Hey, that’s my son, let him come in and bring his friend.” “If he’s a friend of my son, it doesn’t matter how he looks, he’s welcome here.” “Come on up here boys.” Wow! We are either the son in this story or the dirty friend. If we’re the son, bring our friends and family to God. If we’re the dirty kid, know that you are welcome at the throne. Come boldly.