“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
In ancient Greece, every citizen had the right of free speech. This meant that in any town assembly of his fellow citizens, a citizen could speak his mind on any subject without restrictions or political mistreatment. This unique right was called parresia.
Because of its linguistic history, this Greek word is usually translated in the New Testament as “boldness”, “confidence”, or “frankness”. Its use in Hebrews 4:16 ought to challenge your faith and expand your thinking on prayer.
To view prayer as simply a time when you speak polite niceties to God is to exclude Hebrews 4:16 from your thinking. Though reverence is to ever permeate your attitude and words in prayer (Matthew 6:9), it does not eliminate the fact that you can offer up prayers and supplications with vehement cries and tears as Christ did (Hebrews 5:7) when He cast all His cares upon our Father (1 Peter 5:7).
Such incredible freedom of speech in heaven’s throne room is not because of your personal piety and merit. This privilege is not yours because of your worthiness. You are not entitled to such freedom of speech. It has been granted you because our GREAT high priest has passed through the heavens and grants us access to God’s throne of grace because of HIS worthy name.
Praying in the name of Jesus grants you freedom of speech in heaven’s throne room.
