When Jesus teaches us how to pray, He shows us to first recognize Who we are praying to through worship. His words: “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed by Your name” in Matthew 6:9 (NIV) acknowledge that He is talking to God. He’s not just speaking to the air, or to Himself. He demonstrated the faith it takes to pray and trust that there is an all-knowing, all-powerful, all-loving God on the other end who hears and cares. Jesus then praises the Name of God, calling His name Hallowed which means Holy or set apart. Jesus is acknowledging that there is no other God like the One to whom He prays. When we start our prayers with faith and understanding, it affects what we ask for and in turn, what we receive.
So, Jesus encourages us to remember who we are praying to. I like to start my prayers with worship, thanking God for what He’s done and reminding myself what He can do. When we think we serve a small God, we pray small prayers and don’t live to the full capacity that God has for us. Today, I encourage you to start your prayers with praise and thanksgiving remembering God’s faithfulness.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of prayer and coming to You just as I am. When I don’t know what to pray, remind me to focus on who You are and worship You with praise and adoration. In Jesus Christ’s Name, I pray. Amen.