During his earthly life, [Jesus] offered prayers and appeals with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was the Son, he learned obedience from what he suffered. After he was perfected, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, and he was declared by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 5:7-10 CSB)

Jesus did not only pray. He offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears. He prayed in the Spirit (Isa. 11:2; Mk. 2:10). He prayed in faith (Mk. 14:36). He prayed in dependence upon the Father. And he prayed with a proper respect for God the Father: he was heard because of his reverence. Jesus had an appropriate fear of God, his Father.

Therefore, he prayed with wisdom and with understanding (Job 28:28; Ps. 111:10; Prov. 9:10). Jesus prayed from a faithful heart (2 Chron. 19:9) and a clean heart (Ps. 19:9; 24:3-6). Jesus’ relationship with God was such that he prayed from a sense of righteousness, humility, and confidence (Prov. 8:13; 14:26). Jesus was heard because of his reverence.

So what does this mean for us? First, let us approach God in prayer from a sense of reverence and awe (Heb. 12:28). Second, pray in faith, believing that he exists and hears you (Ps. 65:2; Heb. 11:1-3, 6). Third, pray in confession of sin and repentance toward God (Ps. 32 and 51). We, after all, are sinners. Next, pray from your standing as justified by grace through faith (Rom. 3:21-26; 2 Cor. 5:21). Finally pray to your Father who loves you—as a believer (if you are one), you have been adopted into his family. Pray from the wonderful position of sonship as sealed by the Spirit (Rom 8:9-17).

PRAYER: Father in heaven, thank you for hearing our prayers. We thank you for Jesus, our high priest, who intercedes for us at your right hand. We thank you for your Holy Spirit who intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And we pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.