I have been meditating on the first part of Colossians 1:17. It says, “And He is before all things…” We have the privilege to come before the One who has already known what we are praying about.

Isaiah 65:24 says, “It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” What comfort! Even though the Lord knows what is on our hearts, He wants us to express it to Him.

He bids us to come boldly before His throne of grace. The boldness we come with is from assurance and confidence. Psalm 17 was written by David. Verse 6 says, “I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God…” That is our assurance also.

Isaiah 57:10 keeps things in perspective for me. It says, “For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is holy: I dwell in the high and lofty place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit…” Contrite means broken-hearted for sin. It brings me back to the cross.