Psalm 99:6-9 (CB)

6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel was among those who called on his name; they called on the LORD and he answered them. 7 He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them. 8 LORD our God, you answered them; you were to Israel a forgiving God, though you punished their misdeeds. 9 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.

THE GIFT OF PRAYER. One of God’s greatest gifts is access to him in prayer (v 6). Samuel had a high theology of prayer, as seen when he said, “Far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you” (1 Sam. 12:23). But how can a holy God (vv 1–5) hear the prayersof sinful humans? V 8 connects prayer access to God’s forgiveness. The reference to cherubim (v 1) reminds us of the Ark of the Covenant and the tabernacle where blood was sprinkled to atone for sin (Exodus 25:17). That was just a symbol. Jesus’s blood brings us with full assurance into the presence of a holy God.

Prayer: Lord, prayerlessness is a sin against you. It comes from a self-sufficiency that is wrong and that dishonors you. Prayerlessness is also a sin against those around me. I should be engaging my heart and your power in their needs. Lord, I pray with all my heart that you would give me a heart for prayer. Amen.