Today’s Key Scripture (all references NKJV unless otherwise noted):

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.

— Hebrews 7:25-27

The Holy of Holies was hidden by a veil. No one was permitted to enter except the High Priest, and even he could only enter once a year on the Day of Atonement. It was in the Holy of Holies where once a year the high priest entered in to intercede for the children of Israel. It was here that he offered the blood of the sacrifices for himself and for the sins and errors of God’s people.

Intercession, the deepest form of prayer, took place there, and for believers, the Holy of Holies is the most intimate place of partnership with God. And in heaven today Christ Jesus still intercedes for you and me.

What does Hebrews 7 mean by “the uttermost.” Imagine that you lost something especially valuable. You would literally turn the place upside down in an effort to find and recover it. You would be wholehearted and zealous.

It is with that uttermost level that Christ makes intercession for us, and it is that intense intimacy to which we are called. God has given us access to the Holy of Holies!

The power of effective prayer and intimate communication with our Lord should not be underestimated. God most definitely listens to prayers, answers prayers, and moves in response to our “uttermost” prayers!

A Prayer for Today:

O Lord, thank You for building depth in me, often when I can’t see all that You are doing. Sometimes I only see things on the surface, yet I believe that You are doing a deep work in me. I humbly bow before you asking for your tender mercies and love. Thank you for Your promises of forgiveness and restoration, even though I am so undeserving in myself. That You for dying on the cross for my sins and shortcomings. Grant that I may increasingly live pleasing in your sight—asking, seeking, and knocking—while giving all glory to You. Amen!