Jesus the Priest

Sunday, November 22 is Christ the King Sunday.
As that day approaches, I have been reflecting on the Three-fold office of Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King. This week's prayers will reflect on how Jesus is for us all three: Prophet, Priest, and King.

Hebrews 4:14-16

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

Lord Jesus,
you are the Great High Priest.
You stand before God
interceding for us,
praying on our behalf.

You hear our confession
and declare to us the words of God's forgiveness.
More than that you yourself enact forgiveness!
Through your perfect sacrifice on the cross,
our sins are forgiven;
our lives are made new!

You, Lord Jesus,
are the Great High Priest.
Pray for us now
and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

The Heidelberg Catechism 

Question 31: Why is he called "Christ," meaning "anointed"?
Answer:

Because he has been ordained by God the Father and has been anointed with the Holy Spirit to be
our chief prophet and teacher
who perfectly reveals to us
the secret counsel and will of God for our deliverance;

our only high priest
who has set us free by the one sacrifice of his body,
and who continually pleads our cause with the Father;

and our eternal king
who governs us by his Word and Spirit,
and who guards us and keeps us
in the freedom he has won for us.