This post by kathylarkman was originally published at GRACE PLACE

Lesley Grindrod, contributor of today’s blog post
There’s a glorious verse in Hebrews that encourages us to “…. approach God’s throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) I love the term ‘throne of grace.’ A throne is the place from which a sovereign rules – the unique seat and symbol of royal authority. The Bible says the throne upon which the King of Kings sits to receive our praise and worship, to hear our prayers of petition, intercession and even our complaints – the greatest throne that ever has been or ever will be – is a throne formed and filled entirely with grace!
In his book “The Power of Prayer” Charles Spurgeon says “It is a throne set up on purpose for the dispensation of grace ….from which every utterance is grace….the decrees proclaimed from it are purposes of grace … He who sits upon the throne is Grace itself.”
Yes, it’s true that one day our King will pronounce His judgement upon the living and the dead from a throne of justice, but right now – today –unfathomable mercy and amazing grace are motivating His every response to the prayers we bring Him.
Our enemy, the devil, hates it when we approach God’s throne of grace. How many of you are like me? I decide to pray … and suddenly, I remember all those ‘important jobs’ that need to be done ‘right now.’ The phone rings … someone knocks at the door …. a child or partner calls our name …. the list is endless! And am I the only one whose mind starts to wander within seconds of starting to pray? Yes, he will do anything to keep us away from the throne of grace, because he knows if he can distract us from praying he can prevent or delay the grace-filled responses Father so wants to give us. And not only does he seek to distract us from prayer, but he goes on to heap condemnation and guilt on our heads for failing to pray ‘properly.’
I’m so glad the Bible says “There remains no accusing voice of condemnation against those who are joined in life-union with Jesus.” (Rom 8:1 TPT) Once we recognise the enemy’s attempts to keep us from prayer we can stand our ground, using the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God to defeat him.
Is my mind wandering as I’m trying to pray? The Bible says: “We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience …” (2 Cor 10:5 TPT) There are jobs that must be done? Well then, I’ll pray as I work. Prayer isn’t a religious exercise that can only be done while kneeling with ‘hands together and eyes closed.’ Prayer is a life-style. Prayer is constant two-way conversation with my Heavenly Father – spirit to Spirit.
Do I need His mercy? Do I need His grace? Is someone I know or a situation I’m aware of, in need of these things? Praise God, His mercy and grace are available, in abundance, for those who determine to ignore the enemy and exercise their right as His children to confidently approach His throne in prayer today.