Christ’s presence, at the right hand of God, is something no person in the Old Testament ever had the privilege of enjoying. Job, in the midst of his pain and mourning, cried out (Job 33:23) but did not have the intercessor like we have today. Our prayers being answered as a result of Christ being our mediator takes place because ‘God so love the world……’ (John 3:16). “The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Therefore, He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:23-25) This is why prayer creates an intimacy with God. We pray to God, but He is ‘Our Father……’ (Matthew 6:6-13).
This love and intimacy are highlighted further when we consider how salvation provided to us the inner dwelling of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:14-16; Titus 3:4-6). This has made us a family unto God. His presence creates for us an even greater connection for prayer. “In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” (Roman 8:26-27; NASU) We have to remember the Old Testament believer had to go through a high priest at the temple (which for those who lived far away, was once a year) before they can get their sins forgiven and thereby re-establish a greater connection with God. Our high priest is Christ who sits at the right hand of God. We can use His name (John 14:13-14) and communicate to Him through the Holy Spirit. Therefore, prayer creates a greater intimacy with God. This is why Paul probably said to ‘pray without ceasing.’ (1 Thessalonians 5:17) because to not pray is one of the elements that ‘quench the Holy Spirit.’ (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19).
Yes, the love of God provided us salvation and life after death but one of the greatest blessing is that we can constantly (1 Thessalonians 5:17) experience a connection directly to God that last forever. This intimacy is an experience of God’s love for us which we can enjoy all day and all night. It also allows His love to dwell in our hearts (Ephesians 3:16-19) so that we experience ‘the fullness of God.’
Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
