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Effective prayer begins at the cross. The cross separates the believer from sin and connects him to God. Through prayer this truth becomes a personal reality instead of merely an intellectual novelty. All Christian’s acknowledge the theological importance of Jesus’ cross. How does the cross impact my prayer habits on a practical level? Let’s look at a Scripture verse from the Old Testament book of Isaiah.

But he was pierced for our transgressions;

he was crushed for our iniquities;

upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,

and with his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5, ESV)

There are four specific benefits of the cross seen in this verse. Below is a simple outline of their significance and how I use them to begin most of my times of prayer.

1. I thank God for the whip that provides me healing for my body. The wounds by which we are healed were laid on our Savior’s back by a whip. This verse is quoted in the New Testament in 1 Peter 2:24.
2. I thank God for the crown of thorns that provides me peace for my mind. When I read of the chastisement (punishment) that brings peace I think of the crown of thorns that my King chose to wear. 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us that we have not been given a spirit of fear, but instead a spirit of power, love and a sound mind.
3. I thank God for the spear that provides atonement for my iniquities. A spear crushed the Master’s side, literally breaking His heart, so that I could receive a new heart. My new heart hates sin and loves righteousness.
4. I thank God for the nails that provide forgiveness for my transgressions. Our Lord’s hands and feet were pierced so that I can receive forgiveness for all my transgressions. It is amazing that His crimson blood can cause filthy me to become whiter than snow!

I start most of my prayer times by going through this list and thanking God out loud for these four benefits of the cross. This helps me to approach God with humility and gratitude.

What do you think? What do you do to begin your times of prayer?

What if there was a way to move from the ordinary affairs of everyday life into the extraordinary presence of God? In the Old Testament there was. The tabernacle of Moses was how Moses went from being among the people to standing in the manifest presence of God. Later Solomon built the temple to become the centerpiece of the nation’s worship. And after the Israelite’s return from exile one of their first endeavours was to begin work on a restored temple. This was the temple Jesus referred to in His teaching. The temple and its furnishings are featured also in the New Testament books of Hebrews and Revelation.

The tabernacle, and later the temple, had three areas. These were the courtyard, the holy place, and the most holy place. The most holy place, or the holiest of all, is the place where the Old Testament high priest would go once a year to make atonement for the sins of Israel. Through His resurrection, Jesus has made atonement for all of us, once and for all. In doing this He made a way for all who trust Him to come into the most holy place in prayer as well.

The tabernacle contained five items that each reveal something about effective prayer. Prayer in the tabernacle began at the bronze altar, which speaks of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Tabernacle prayer continues at the laver when we pray for cleansing. The pattern of the tabernacle then leads us into the holy place where there is the golden lamp stand on one side and the table of shew bread on the other. These teach us to pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit and insight into God’s Word. Now between us and the holiest of all is the altar of incense. This shows us the importance of the prayer of worship. Finally, we enter into the most holy place which contains the Ark of the covenant. This is where we can offer prayers of intercession.

In the upcoming series of posts, we will look at how the tabernacle pattern can help us approach God with confidence. An understanding of tabernacle pattern will empower you to leave the everyday matters of life behind and enter into God’s presence where you can pray powerfully and effectively.

The Church Of The Lord Jesus Christ
She is the plan of God on earth; always in her Father’s eye: Cherished, mysterious, beautiful and potent beyond measure: King empowered and life infused. She emerges triumphant; limitless with potential; a harbour for the hopeless and an answer for the ages: The church resplendent – a bride for His Son.
She is the body of Christ on earth; born, like her Head, amidst tribulation, under jealous skies. Cradled in her innocence and guarded for His purpose. She grows in wisdom and stature with victory on her lips and freedom in her hands. Hers is an unstoppable cause. She embraces the world with dignity, honour and compassion; gives vision to the sightless and life to the dying.
She is the family of God on earth. Within her compass, the hungry find sustenance and the weary receive strength. She is a haven for recovering humanity, enthralled by grace. She invites the broken, the vulnerable and the outcast to be immersed in love. She stands imperfect but perfection resides within her. She is flawed but is washed with forgiveness. She has a treasury of faith and a wealth of belonging.
She is the house of heaven on earth: A representative, resolute to reconcile. The Word within her accepts the receptive but challenges the heartless. She is the ecclesia, called out to serve the world: Calling out to welcome in. Blood-washed and armed with testimony, the cross on her lips liberates the chained and offends the unchanging. Like her Master she is pursued and persecuted. Yet she rises with strength in her heart and fire in her soul.
She is the bride of Christ on earth; readying herself for the day when all eyes will be upon her. Prepared and presented before the Lord: The Lamb for whom the world waits, who comes like the rising sun, majestic and magnificent beyond description, while she dazzles with reflected glory. Spotless, perfect and mature, she bows low to cast her crowns and passionately worship Him. Her temporal focus becomes her eternal gaze.
She is the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. – by Robert Fergusson