Hebrews 5:7

Hebrews 5:7

Thoughts from Stuart Poteet

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“In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.” Hebrews 5:7

QOP- Behind the Scenes
Slide

As we continue to dive into the deeper meaning of prayer and the importance of a focused prayer life, where do we look regarding “how” to pray? Psalms is a great place to start but Jesus gives us glimpses of His prayer life, not only in what to pray but in what way.

Slide

Our verse today comes from Hebrews Chapter 5, which points to Jesus as the ultimate high priest appointed by the Father. Before Jesus became flesh, high priests were “appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God” (verse 1). Verse 7 says that Jesus “offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to Him who was able to save Him from death”. And God heard Him and saved Him through the Resurrection. However, the context of this chapter suggests that Jesus offers those prayers and supplications with emotion for us too, since He is our High Priest.

Slide

When we look at verse 7 in the context of how to pray, note two themes that are seemingly distinct yet connected. I will delve into the connection later, but first let’s explore these two distinct themes. The first is that Jesus cried out to God even to the point of tears. This is the burden Jesus carried for mankind and the impending physical death He would endure for man’s salvation. There was an earnestness and a gut-wrenching weight that accompanied Jesus’ prayer life.

Slide

The second theme is that God heard Jesus’ prayer “because of his reverence”. Other translations substitute “godly fear or devotion”, “godliness”, “piety”, “submission” or because Jesus “honored” or “trusted” God. This collaborates with James 5:6. I love the old King James Version of this scripture which states it so eloquently, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” When was the last time I prayed fervently and with a posture of submission that honors God out of true reverence?

Slide

Pastor Brian shared something recently that I had all but forgotten. It’s the acronym ACTS, which stands for Adoration Confession Thanksgiving Supplication. Applied to prayer it suggests we start prayer with or include a component of adoration. But what is adoration? I believe Jesus shows us this in the Lord’s Prayer, when He starts with “Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your Name”. It’s prayer that recognizes who God is and His divine attributes which no other being possesses. With that mindset, we acknowledge Him verbally and pay Him proper homage.

QOP- Make it Real
Slide

Previously, I mentioned how Jesus’ loud cries and tears were distinct from His reverence yet connected. We explored that distinctiveness, but what do I mean by connection? This comes more in a personal way that I sometimes experience in prayer. When I truly ponder the greatness and majesty of the One whom I am praying to, it can often lead to a wave of feelings that range from joy and love to godly fear and conviction. And yes, even though I’m a dude, I can be overwhelmed with tears of happiness or sorrow.

Slide

But I would challenge us not to confine our emotions to just personal prayer but allow it to reverberate in communal prayer, too. The Holy Spirit can give us words to speak when we can’t find them, can give us boldness to declare His majesty, and can give volume to our voices when together we pray and sing praise to Him.

Slide

Lastly, like the disciple in Luke 11:1, when we struggle with how to pray maybe we should just simply ask Jesus “Lord, teach us to pray……”

QOP- End in Prayer
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Lord,

Open my heart and mind in prayer. Teach me to be thoughtful, gracious, and understanding. Lead me into prayer that deepens my trust and reverence. Remove the distractions from worldly concerns and give me the ability to discern Your call and will in my life. You rightly deserve all glory and honor and I praise You in this day.

In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray.

Amen!

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“In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.” Hebrews 5:7

Behind the Scenes

As we continue to dive into the deeper meaning of prayer and the importance of a focused prayer life, where do we look regarding “how” to pray? Psalms is a great place to start but Jesus gives us glimpses of His prayer life, not only in what to pray but in what way.  

Our verse today comes from Hebrews Chapter 5, which points to Jesus as the ultimate high priest appointed by the Father.  Before Jesus became flesh, high priests were “appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God” (verse 1). Verse 7 says that Jesus “offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to Him who was able to save Him from death”. And God heard Him and saved Him through the Resurrection.  However, the context of this chapter suggests that Jesus offers those prayers and supplications with emotion for us too, since He is our High Priest.   

When we look at verse 7 in the context of how to pray, note two themes that are seemingly distinct yet connected. I will delve into the connection later, but first let’s explore these two distinct themes. The first is that Jesus cried out to God even to the point of tears. This is the burden Jesus carried for mankind and the impending physical death He would endure for man’s salvation.  There was an earnestness and a gut-wrenching weight that accompanied Jesus’ prayer life. 

The second theme is that God heard Jesus’ prayer “because of his reverence”.  Other translations substitute “godly fear or devotion”, “godliness”, “piety”, “submission” or because Jesus “honored” or “trusted” God.  This collaborates with James 5:6. I love the old King James Version of this scripture which states it so eloquently, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” When was the last time I prayed fervently and with a posture of submission that honors God out of true reverence?  

Pastor Brian shared something recently that I had all but forgotten.  It’s the acronym ACTS, which stands for Adoration Confession Thanksgiving Supplication. Applied to prayer it suggests we start prayer with or include a component of adoration.  But what is adoration? I believe Jesus shows us this in the Lord’s Prayer, when He starts with “Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your Name”.  It’s prayer that recognizes who God is and His divine attributes which no other being possesses.  With that mindset, we acknowledge Him verbally and pay Him proper homage

Make It Real

Previously, I mentioned how Jesus’ loud cries and tears were distinct from His reverence yet connected. We explored that distinctiveness, but what do I mean by connection? This comes more in a personal way that I sometimes experience in prayer. When I truly ponder the greatness and majesty of the One whom I am praying to, it can often lead to a wave of feelings that range from joy and love to godly fear and conviction. And yes, even though I’m a dude, I can be overwhelmed with tears of happiness or sorrow. 

But I would challenge us not to confine our emotions to just personal prayer but allow it to reverberate in communal prayer, too. The Holy Spirit can give us words to speak when we can’t find them, can give us boldness to declare His majesty, and can give volume to our voices when together we pray and sing praise to Him. 

Lastly, like the disciple in Luke 11:1, when we struggle with how to pray maybe we should just simply ask Jesus “Lord, teach us to pray……” 

Danny Venhaus

Danny Venhaus

ACF Operations Director

End in Prayer

Lord,  

Open my heart and mind in prayer. Teach me to be thoughtful, gracious, and understanding.  Lead me into prayer that deepens my trust and reverence.  Remove the distractions from worldly concerns and give me the ability to discern Your call and will in my life. You rightly deserve all glory and honor and I praise You in this day.   

In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray.   

Amen! 

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