By Chris Wolfe

"For through [Christ] we have both have access in the one Spirit to the Father. So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God's household…" Ephesians 2:18-19

"We have also obtained access through [Christ] by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God." Roman's 5:2

How many times has a friend, family member, coworker, etc., dropped the phrase "let me know if you need anything"? Probably more than a few times. It's a fairly common thing to say, whether used as a conversation closer, or a consolation upon hearing of some misfortune. Just today, in fact, I told my wife I was going to go get some things done in the next room and told her to "let me know if you need anything."

As many times as this phrase is used, or some variation of it… "I'm here if you need anything," "I'd be glad to help in any way I can…" it's not often that we take anyone up on these offers. But what's most amazing about this simple phrase is that people are essentially saying "you have access to me."

Many Christians have trouble bringing things to God that they feel are too insignificant or unworthy of prayer. Or, just the opposite, some think they need to take proper responsibility for our own big troubles and only pray for the more manageable items. For a lot of us, myself included, it flips back and forth. Whatever particular bent is keeping us from coming to the Father in prayer, we ultimately forsake a part of the work that Christ has accomplished. Christ's primary work is, of course, to save and redeem sinners, but Paul points out through the scriptures above that through this work we have access to the Father.

While the true sincerity of friends and loved one's offer probably changes on a case by case basis, the access we have to the Father is not a mere pleasantry. We do not have access to our God and Father just in case we might need it; we have that access because we do need it. "Oh what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer."

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