First of all, what is prayer? Prayer is an invitation into an INTIMATE fellowship with God through Jesus Christ, expressed in adoration, thanksgiving and intercession, through which we draw near to God and learn more of HIS WILL FOR OUR LIVES. He invites us into purpose and the ability to do His will, through the loving and powerful guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Why did I say “intimate”? “For you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “ABBA (daddy), FATHER.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are CHILDREN OF GOD, and if children, then heirs (klēronomos: one who receives his allotted possession by right of sonship)—heirs of God and JOINT HEIRS WITH CHRIST…” (Rom. 8:15-17) What does an Abba Father want to hear from his children, their needs, their cries for help, their loving adoration!
Jesus said to us, “…WHEN YOU PRAY, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, WHEN YOU PRAY, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” (Matt. 6:5-6)
In this MANNER (houtō: with this method) , therefore, pray:
- Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name: The word “hallowed” here means “honored as holy.” The first step to any prayer is to give God glory and honor and praise. This positions our hearts to be aware of God’s holy presence as we pray. Jesus also directs us to acknowledge God as our Father in heaven. God is the creator of the universe, the alpha and omega, the King of Kings, the Almighty. But, He is also our good, good Father who loves us and wants an intimate relationship with us.
- Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven: Jesus tells us to pray God’s will over our own because the ultimate goal of prayer is not to convince God of our heart but to ALIGN IT WITH HIS. Praying God’s will to be done in our situation puts His agenda before our own. THIS IS THE MARK OF A TRULY SURRENDERED HEART. We desire His will to be done freely, without disobedience or obstacle or hindrance of human sin. Jesus tells us to pray this way not because God needs us to do His will, but because He chooses to USE US to do the work of His Kingdom.
Pray what we have discussed so far and be greatly blessed.
-Bill Stockham