9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ (Luke 18:9 – 14)
We had a blessed time last week considering the Disciplines of Bible Study and Spiritual Warfare. This week we focus on the Disciplines of Prayer and Fasting, starting with Prayer.
How does our theme of God’s Glory relate to the Discipline of Prayer? There is a very strong relationship, and no clearer evidence of this than the priority Jesus gave God’s glory in the prayer He taught his disciples. “Hallowed be your name” is a clear reference to God’s glory. This should be very instructive to us because often our tendency is to focus on making requests.
Question
Think about your prayer life. How do you make God’s glory a priority in your prayers?
March 18, 2019 at 10:50 am
I remember a “formula” from childhood-ACTS: adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication. The first area of the prayer focused on God’s character and called for a focus on His glory and holiness. I have carried this into adulthood. I find that even when I rush in with my requests (supplication) first I’m led back to adoration. There’s something important about acknowledging the very reason I’m coming to God to make my request known.
March 18, 2019 at 3:06 pm
I can relate with Bridget on the aspect of being drawn back to adoration at times when i have rushed in with my request. As pressing as they may seem to be, i hear that little voice in my head calling me ungrateful for not acknowledging the mightiness of the Supreme Being (God) before barging in with do this for me, help me with this.
So, yeah, Reverencing God before making supplication has always being the way for me cause i also grew up that way.
March 18, 2019 at 11:05 am
My prayers usually begin with, and definitely include gratitude to God. I am sincerely grateful for the fact that I am able to go to Him with any and everything. Although I never thought of it this way until now, I would think this would bring glory to God.
March 19, 2019 at 8:39 am
Prayer is a vital part of my life. It’s talking to God 24/7. Telling my creator/ savior everything even small detail of my everyday life brings glory to God. By simply talking to Jesus , being grateful and just acknowledging all the blessings and even the not very pleasant things going on in my life brings glory to God….that’s what our God wants from his children- fellowship and it can happen if we prayray and talk to Him everyday. To me, even a short phrase like “ Thank you Lord, I arrived home safely, or like Lord, I remember this friend who needs your healing power now”, are considered prayer. You can pray anytine, anywhere, it can be short or long but as long as you praise and thank God first in your prayer , it certainly glorifies him. You can ask God for anything. He answers according to his perfect time and plans. Our obedience will also reflect in our prayers and that also will
bring glory to God.