Drawing Near {Reflections on Prayer}

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16, NASB).

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the fresh and living way that he inaugurated for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in the full assurance that faith brings, because we have had our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. And let us hold unwaveringly to the hope that we confess, for the one who made the promise is trustworthy (Hebr 10:19-23, NET).



Draw near.

No fear of lash; My grace will thee adorn.

I bid thee come, My golden scepter touch.

The High Priest died and lives, the Door for such

As thee to enter in. The veil is torn.

Draw near.



Draw near.

With boldness come, of thine acceptance sure,

And linger here awhile, no haste to leave.

Abide, and let My strength thy fears relieve.

Trust cares and burdens in My hands secure.

Draw near.

(crlm, 2/00)




Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8).

Photo credit: Amore

"The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me;

to one who orders his way rightly

I will show the salvation of God!”

Psalm 50:23

Here it is, Lord, a sacrificial portion from this last week. Thank You, Father, for

freedom and confidence in approaching you in Jesus and through faith in Him (Eph. 3:12),

provision, transportation, and safety for 3 medical appointments last week,

completing this round of physical therapy,

uneventful cardiology and dental checks,

an inch and a half of much-needed rain,

the first significant cool front arriving the weekend straddling summer and autumn,

restful sleep this weekend,

stunning, positive news on Mezzo's accident settlement at last, almost a year later,

ladies' Bible study,

an evening with my parents while Amore had a work event,

ability to partake of high-quality Bible conferences via my home computer, the only way I can still,

seeing the festival balloons float over our city one more year,

lunch plans next month with a friend I haven't seen in 4 years, 

enjoying the cool weather by driving to the trail for a picnic breakfast Saturday (all three of us!), and

the way the Spirit moves within the body of Christ to put us on each other's hearts at just the right time.

(gratitude journal, #1925-1939)