PRAYER – 2

1 Timothy 6:15

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He invited them into an intimate relationship with the “Heavenly Father.” Jesus also instructed, “When you pray, pray to the King.” Indeed, God is our Father, but make no mistake, He’s also King!

“Pray like this: … Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9–10).  God is the “Sovereign, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15). He rules and reigns!

Sadly, sometimes our prayers sound like we’re talking to some kind of spiritual Santa Claus, or a Jeannie in a bottle who is obligated to grant our wishes. Have you ever heard someone pray, “In the name of Jesus, do this, that, or the other!” It sounds like they are calling the shots, barking out orders, making demands. “Do this! And do it now!”

Oh, friend, be careful!

God is our loving Father. He invites us to ask. “Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7).

As we approach the throne of Almighty God, be reminded of the One we address. “God is King of the whole earth. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne” (Psalm 47:7-8). “At the name of Jesus every knee will bow—in heaven and on earth and under the earth—and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11).

When you pray, address the Father … and the King! Suppose you are faced with a physical illness. Try this… “Dear Father in Heaven, I know You love me, and I know that You are able to remove this infirmity! You are All-powerful. But You are also the King, so I submit my will to You. I know that “Your grace is sufficient” (2 Corinthains 12:9), so I trust Your will and Your plan!”

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).