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Verse: Ephesians 2:18
Context: Ephesians 2:11-18

"For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit."

Paul is speaking to the non-Jewish believers and discussing how Christ's sacrifice abolished the law and commandments dividing Jews from Gentiles. He follows to say that all believers can access God in prayer through the Holy Spirit. This promise carries significant meaning since Jews were commanded in Mosaic law to appoint a high priest who is the only one with access to the Holy of Holies. Gentiles were thought to be lawbreakers since they did not follow Mosaic law.

God did not change, but the way that he permitted us to interact with him did. All believers, Jews and Gentiles, can approach God as a Father as Christ did. Prayer is not intended to be performed only through sacred people on sacred days or set times. We are urged to pray on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and request (Eph. 6:18). We may not always pray for the right thing or for what God has planned, but we will grow nearer to him by making it a regular practice. We are promised that the Spirit will intercede for us when we do not know what we ought to pray (Rom. 8:26).

This promise is encouraging to know that we have access to God as easily as we have access to those on whom we rely, whether friends or family, only God is ultimately dependable. We may not always receive an answer or receive one we want, but we know he is listening and cares. I think about how I wanted a sports car in high school. It might have achieved some of my goals at least partially by increasing my coolness factor, but in retrospect it wouldn't have helped me become more self-suffient or motivated. Even more importantly it wouldn't have been the safest choice; this carries more gravity as I have known people who flipped cars in high school or college and one who did not survive. I do not know the situation of the latter, but in my case, driving a sportier car with my limited driving experience would not have been wise. We may think we know what we need and want, but God ultimately will provide if we take initiative and live as we should.