Our Worship and Christ's Intercessory Work

I came across Psalm 5:7 in my reading.

But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple." (Psalm 5:7 KJV).

Only by the multiple mercies given to us by God can we come into the presence of God even to offer praise. This is echoed in the New Testament. According to the writer of Hebrews, Christ is continually making intercession for us, which allows us access to the throne.

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25 ESV)

Toward the end of Hebrews, the writer continued to talk about the current ministry of Christ. Our praises and prayers of thankfulness, cannot even reach God unless it is through Christ's intercessory work.

Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. (Hebrews 13:15 ESV)

The following is from Calvin's commentary about Hebrews 13:5.

But as it was the Apostle's design to teach us what is the legitimate way of worshipping God under the New Testament, so by the way he reminds us that God cannot be really invoked by us and his name glorified, except through Christ the mediator; for it is he alone who sanctifies our lips, which otherwise are unclean, to sing the praises of God; and it is he who opens a way for our prayers, who in short performs the office of a priest, presenting himself before God in our name.

The only way to approach God is humbly through the Cross. Don't get me wrong. God loves us and He is so humble that He works to makes the gifts of our lips and sacrifice of our bodies (Romans 12:1) holy and acceptable. Christ intercedes for on the basis of His sacrifice. Christ's blood makes our gifts clean. If you are humble and sincerely seeking to praise and thank God, don't rely on feelings too much to evaluate the success of your prayers. Your prayers and your feelings are not worthy. Christ is the one who makes our prayers efficacious.