“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” – Matt.6:9
Praise prompts us to start praying by thinking of the greatness of God rather than our problems and needs. And we need that. It shifts our focus to our Father in heaven. Our Lord’s pattern prayer begins with a reminder of our relationship with God – “our Father“. So we know at once that we are addressing the One who loves us above all others, the One who has our best interest at heart.
Now notice how we are to address Him – “Hallowed be Thy name“. That means we set apart His name as holy and hold it in reverence. According to 1 Cor. 10:31 even our prayer is to be for the glory of God. We hear a lot of talk about praising God in song, and for good reason, but we don’t have to be singing to be praising. We can express praise through speech as well as song.
When you encounter a problem and engage in prayer, be sure you start by expressing praise. Then you can expect to enjoy His provision. Otherwise you are in rebellion, for the Bible says, “O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise Him all ye people” (Psa. 117:1). We do so “For his merciful kindness is great toward us: And the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD” ( Psa. 117:2). Praise is a command. It is an imperative, not just a mere invitation. It is an obligation and an opportunity – opening the door to all the great possibilities God’s power is able to provide. “… therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” ( Heb. 13:15) – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
