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In this second installment of the article on ‘The Model Prayer’, we shall look at other parts of this important prayer that have a direct bearing on our lives and relationships. It is important to note these points as they serve as guideposts to praying effectively.

 Prayer, an Expression of Reverence for God – ‘Hallowed Be Your Name’

So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven – Luke 11:1

I will worship towards Your holy temple, and praise Your name for Your loving-kindness, and for Your truth: for You have magnified Your word above all Your name – Psalms 138:2

Prayer becomes complaints if it is only full of requests and expressions of our needs. Worthy of note is the fact that we also need to praise God. When we pray, we’re edified, but when we praise, God is glorified (Psalms 50:23). Praise gives prayer a definite direction; it sets the atmosphere for a fruitful communion with God and glorifies Him while He shows Himself mighty in our lives. The prophet Isaiah revealed the mind of God in creating man when he wrote, “This people have I formed for Myself; they shall show forth My praise” (Isaiah 43:21).This implies that we were primarily created to praise and bring pleasure to God (Revelation 4:11). Little wonder, the Psalmist declared, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His Handiwork” (Psalms 19:1). This means that creation as a whole is a testament to God’s greatness and glory.  Christ exemplified the art of thanksgiving in prayer on several occasions during His earthly life (John 6:11; 11:41b), and we are meant to draw from His example. Dedicate today to thanksgiving and commit to living a life devoted to praise, and God will be glorified in your life.

Prayer becomes complaints if it is only full of requests and expressions of our needs.

Prayer, an Establishment of God’s Rule – ‘Your Kingdom Come…’

So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” – Luke 11:1

Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. – Isaiah 9:7

Jesus’ central theme while He walked the earth was the proclamation of God’s Kingdom. We see this all through His many parables, using relevant stories to point His listeners to the Kingdom. The establishment of the Kingdom is so paramount to God that it was made the starting point in the model prayer, which is commonly known as ‘The Lord’s Prayer’. Every prayer that does not have bearing or give priority to the Kingdom may be termed ‘praying amiss’ (James 4:1-3). The term, ‘thy Kingdom come’ signifies enforcement of God’s rule in every sphere of human endeavor (family, politics, business, entertainment, economy, etc.), until the earth is filled with the knowledge of the glory of God, as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14).

Every prayer that does not have bearing or give priority to the Kingdom may be termed ‘praying amiss’

If our prayers must attract heaven’s attention and yield the needed results, then the matters of the Kingdom must be at the heart of such prayers.  You can measure the answerability of your prayers by asking this simple question; ‘How does my prayer profit the Kingdom?’ A positive response to this question is a pointer to prayers that will receive God’s attention.  Like the stone in Nebuchadnezzar’s vision which crushed into pieces the great image (earthly kingdoms), became a great mountain, and filled the earth, so will God’s Kingdom advance in an unstoppable fashion. Let us see it as a great privilege to partner with Him in prayer to advance His unstoppable Kingdom.

If our prayers must attract heaven’s attention and yield the needed results, then the matters of the Kingdom must be at the heart of such prayers.

Prayer, A Total Submission to God’s Will – ‘Your Will Be Done on Earth as it is in Heaven’

So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” – Luke 11:1

And He was withdrawn from them a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” – Luke 22:41-42

Many times, our will tends not to be at par with God’s will, but alignment is achieved in the place of prayer. The case of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane is a clear example. Prayer isn’t just coming to tell God what we want Him to do for us, but honestly seeking His will in everything that concerns us. In His teaching on prayer, Jesus taught that we should pray for the will of God to be done on earth, even as it is in heaven. In heaven, God’s will is perfectly done so God desires it to be done on earth. This we must achieve first, in the place of prayer.

If His will must prevail on earth, then it must begin with us. Our submission to the will of God will determine the prevalence of His will on earth. God’swill is revealed in His Word, and as we pray according to His Word, His will finds prevalence. The Apostle John in his letter to the Church expressed confidence in prayer that is done according to God’s will; “And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” – 1John 5:14.May our prayers be a fulfillment of God’s will in Jesus Name!

To be continued…