The Lord's Prayer: Adoration

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love  to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others.  Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.  But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.   “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as  the Gentiles do, for  they think that they will be heard  for their many words.  Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.  Pray then like this:  “Our Father in heaven,  hallowed be  your name.- Matthew 6:5-9 ESV

Rev. Charles Han

For those with plans and those without any idea of what lies ahead, this is a clarification and a promise. This is a call of going back to fundamentals. Back to the basics to achieve all that God had placed before us. Today's fundamental is prayer.

The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life by Bruce Wilkinson was a landmark book. It became a popular book, even for non-Christians. It became a merchandised extravaganza. Prayer guides, book bags, etc. But how about Jesus' prayer? Why does it not capture our attention in the same way? It is a model prayer given from Christ to his disciples. Let's examine it closely.

Our Father

We have the privilege to call God our father. The Jews back in that day never would have called the Holy One, father. In Aramaic, it was the familiar version as a child calls their father. Abba (Aramaic), Dad, Appa (Korean), Baba (Canto)... It means we are not just justified, we are adopted. It is not a clinical application of law, but a familiar relationship that God provides. We have gone from enemies to beloved children. This has been bought for us by the perfect relationship and rejection of Jesus by God, the Father. This is grace; unconditional love of God, our father.

This affects our prayers. We are confident, at peace, confident, secure, and drawn into intimacy with God. We consider our earthly fathers, but we don't all know about a father's love. God knows about the fatherless and has adopted us. We are not orphans. We are his children. We don't need to make an appointment. We don't have to be afraid to ask for something. We have intimate access.

In Heaven

He is powerful and transcendent. He is also holy. He calls us to intimacy, but he also deserves all reverence. He gives both tough and tender love. It is a balance that we have trouble keeping. He is not a domestic pet.

Hallowed be your name

This is the first request. What does it mean to hallow something? It means to make and keep sacred. God's name should be feared, respected, and adored. First in our lives, then the world. The first request is what is hallowed. What do we bring the most before Him? What drives us to pray? That is what is sacred and we desire to hallow in our lives. It is our idol. God should be first and foremost.

This is what centers our lives and our prayers rightly. It also will make us happier and more content. But this should not come from a sense of duty, but because it is our joy and desire. This is what keeps God holy and sacred in our lives.