4.16.2025 Prayer Room – Hebrews 9

HEBREWS 9:1-14

9 Now the first covenant also had regulations for ministry and an earthly sanctuary. 2 For a tabernacle was set up, and in the first room, which is called the holy place, were the lampstand, the table, and the presentation loaves. 3 Behind the second curtain was a tent called the most holy place. 4 It had the gold altar of incense and the ark of the covenant, covered with gold on all sides, in which was a gold jar containing the manna, Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. 5 The cherubim of glory were above the ark overshadowing the mercy seat. It is not possible to speak about these things in detail right now. 6 With these things prepared like this, the priests enter the first room repeatedly, performing their ministry. 7 But the high priest alone enters the second room, and he does that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. 8 The Holy Spirit was making it clear that the way into the most holy place had not yet been disclosed while the first tabernacle was still standing. 9 This is a symbol for the present time, during which gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the worshiper’s conscience. 10 They are physical regulations and only deal with food, drink, and various washings imposed until the time of the new order.

11 But Christ has appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come. In the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands (that is, not of this creation), 12 he entered the most holy place once for all time, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow, sprinkling those who are defiled, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works so that we can serve the living God?

HEBREWS 4:14-16

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.

HEAR:

We see in this passage that Jesus is the perfect sacrifice - “once for all time.” As the spotless and blameless Lamb of God, Jesus’s sacrifice has given us complete access to God the Father.

Spend some time in listening prayer:

• Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit to unite us to Himself. Spend time asking the Holy Spirit to fill your heart and fill the room.

• The Scriptures tell us that Jesus can sympathize with our weaknesses. What does this mean to you? Reflect on this reality.Reflect and repent of any ways you have tried to access God apart from union with Jesus and his sacrificial work on the cross.

MATTHEW 27:50-51

50 But Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and gave up his spirit. 51 Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom, the earth quaked, and the rocks were split.

RESPOND:

The veil has been torn. We can approach the throne of grace boldly. Spend some time doing so. Respond to God in prayer:

• Is there something you’ve been holding back from God in prayer? Bring these things before God

• Ask God to build up our church and the Church in Boston to approach Him with boldness

• Spend time thanking and praising God for showing us His love through His son Jesus