In The Crown, season 4, an unemployed house painter breaks into Buckingham Palace – twice. He scales the palace gates, climbs up a drainpipe, and enters through a window. He sits on a throne and drinks from a bottle of wine before he’s spotted and escapes. The second time around, he makes his way into Queen Elizabeth’s chambers while she’s sleeping.
As the dialogue unfolds, the man is unarmed, with no intent to harm. He simply requests an audience with Her Majesty. He has a complaint regarding unemployment and wants to make sure the Queen of England understands the plight of the people. He risks his very life and imprisonment for those few sacred moments.
It was several years ago that we watched The Crown, but this scene comes to mind from time to time. Regardless of how accurately it depicts Michael Fagan’s 1982 real-life Buckingham Palace break-in, it reminds me how vastly I take for granted an audience with the King. At every moment, in every situation, I’ve got King of the Universe’s ear. And so do you.
Waking first thing in the morning, before our feet hit the floor:
- Thank you, Lord, for this day. What are we about to face together? Help me say yes when you ask of me
- Oh, and thank you, Lord, for good coffee
- In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3
Moment by moment, throughout the day, if we take time to listen. And as we remember to cast our requests to Him:
- Do I say yes to this? Is this your best for me, my time and energy?
- Gosh this walk outside feels great, why does your presence feel so much closer in nature?
- Before I respond to this person, please give me your patience, help me give them the benefit of the doubt
- I will fight for you while you keep silent – Ex 14:14
- Heavenly Father! I need your wisdom in making this (very big, very small) decision, as it has a domino effect on some unknowns
- Oh dear Lord help me with this exam (phone call, deadline, etc) that I’m not prepared for
- My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness 2 Cor 12:9
- It’s only 4pm, and the day has a whole second half. Seeing as how I’m outta gas, trusting You’ll provide the energy as I go
- As your days are, so shall your strength be – Deut 33:25
And as we lay our heads down to sleep:
- Oops sorry Lord I fell asleep
- In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, have me dwell in safety – Ps 4:8
- Oh hey 2am… now let’s get to business since I clearly can’t figure out how to quit worrying about this thing
- Cast all your cares on Me, because I care for you – 1 Peter 5:7
All of this without breaking and entering.
What a God we serve.
Thank you, Heavenly Father, that you are omnipresent – always with us – always fully accessible for our huge and tiny needs. Accessible for our thanksgiving, our worship, and our praise. Remind us that you are a loving Father, ready and desiring to walk with us through these regular days. We love you, O Most High.
