As we forge ahead in prayer, it is important to understand that prayer was meant to be a relational encounter between us and the Lord.  In Luke 11:1 the disciples asked the Lord, to teach them to pray. He answered them by giving them a pattern or model for prayer.  A prayer many of us know as the Lord’s Prayer.

² 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. ³ Give us day by day our daily bread. ⁴ And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.”

Luke 11:2-4

As we view verse two, we see that it is divided into two phrases. Let’s ponder the first phrase today:  “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.” 

 The first and most important aspect of prayer is the relational connect that we have with God.  God the Creator of all the heavens and earth; the Sovereign King over all; the one who has redeemed us from the darkness of sin into the kingdom of light, through the Blood of His Son, wants us to know Him as our Father.  Jesus did not say “Our God” in heaven; He said “Our Father” in heaven.

On this second day of prayer, remember, this season of focused prayer is not about you religiously offering up prayers to the sky, hoping to be heard. But, it is a time to draw closer to the one who has called you His own.  And in drawing close you will hear His heart and then you can pray according to His will.

¹² But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:

John 1:12 (NKJV)

We make this relational connect when we come to Him in an attitude of worship.  Webster’s dictionary defines worship in this manner: “an extravagant respect or admiration for or a devotion to an object of esteem.”  In a relationship, we show our respect or admiration for another in several ways. We demonstrate it in the time we give to another.  We express it in the words we communicate.   

Jesus shows us the relational connect in prayer, when He prayed “Our Father.” Then He communicates His respect and honor through worship when He says, “Hallowed be Your name.”

Take the time throughout your day to offer up words of thanksgiving and praise.  Words that express respect, admiration and honor to a God, who is not only the Lord of All, but has declared that we are His children.

¹⁴ For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons (children) of God. ¹⁵ For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” (Daddy God)    

Romans 8:14-15 (NKJV)

Your words will not only impact the heart of God, but will empower you to “Forge Ahead in Trustful Hope”.