The Hub Of A Prayer

The Hub of a Prayer

This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”

Matthew 6:9

IN WORD Have you noticed that the first line of the prayer Jesus modeled for us is an expression of praise? We might pass over it easily, regarding it as an obligatory introduction, a cursory acknowledgment of the basis of our prayers. But though Jesus’ words are certainly economical, there is nothing cursory about this statement. Jesus is efficient with His words, not careless. These are stated first for a reason: Our prayers are to begin with praise.

Does that seem too much like buttering God up? It shouldn’t. There’s a more profound purpose in it than getting God on our side. It’s a declaration of the truest truth there is—that this world is all about Him. If we want our prayers to align with His will—if we want Him even to hear them—they must acknowledge truth at every turn. And the first step in acknowledging truth is declaring His primacy and His worth. We pray to our intimate Father because He is hallowed and holy, the Name above all names. We might as well set that straight in our own hearts before we bombard Him with petitions. So Jesus tells us how to set it straight.

IN DEED Consider how you begin your prayers. Do they first and foremost acknowledge the glory of the One to whom you pray? Do they admit up front that everything to follow will fit under this overarching principle of the universe, that God’s name is above all? Does praise become the centerpiece of your prayer, the hub around which the rest of it will revolve?

That’s Jesus’ purpose in making a declaration of worship primary in the model prayer. The disciples had probably heard many similar statements of praise in the prayers of the religious leaders. But did those prayers really revolve around the holiness and glory of God? If not, they weren’t the kind of prayers Jesus commends. He shows His disciples, and us, a better way. Acknowledge straight off the top that the Name is hallowed, holy, glorious, and true. And your prayers will be blessed.

Adoration is the highest form of prayer.

—LOUIS CASSELS