In Christ, the mercy and grace of God are always available upon request

3 min read

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. -Hebrews 4:15-16

If you are ever unsure on what to ask of God in your prayer time, the verses above give some helpful guidance. The passage describes how Jesus is our high priest and that because of his perfect and complete sacrifice on our behalf, we can have full confidence to approach God in prayer.

Because of Jesus, we can pray for anyone, anywhere, anytime, about anything.

But thankfully, we don’t always get what we request of God. He answers according to his wisdom and his holy love for us and his replies are generally one of the following: 1) Yes, 2) No, 3) Wait, or 4) I have something better in mind.

But this passage explains that there are two things in particular that are always available upon request from the Lord: mercy and grace.

Mercy is the kindness and compassion that God gives us when we are in a place of sorrow, regret, or suffering. For an example, of mercy, think of the father of the prodigal son and how he received the son when he returned home.

Grace (unmerited favor) is similar to mercy, but distinct. The grace of God is the basis of our salvation, but also what makes everyday life enjoyable. By grace, God regularly adds benefits and blessings to us on top of what he initially gave us when we accepted Jesus. His grace can come in the form of something tangible, like a Starbucks gift card or a hug from a friend, or it might be more obscure, like an inward boost that we feel in our spirit.

Both of these precious commodities, mercy and grace, are available every day upon request, but only at the Throne…nowhere else.

We can’t pay for them. We cannot demand them. But because of Jesus, mercy and grace are always available.

And it’s a good thing. Because at the beginning of the day and at the end, mercy and grace are what we need most.

It’s a new day with God. Run with it.