“Hallowed be thy name. . . thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory. . .” (Matthew 6:9, 13)
In the model prayer, Jesus gave explicit instruction. Prayer should begin with praise. Note the opening words— “Our Father. . . Hallowed be thy name” (Matthew 6:9–13). Praising the Father is primary, and paves the way for further prayer. This opening bookend deals with magnifying God’s name. But the model prayer not only begins with praise but it also ends with praise. Notice the concluding bookend, which states that God’s is “the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen” (v. 13).
Prayer is launched on the runway of worship, and concludes on the landing strip of praise! Sandwiched between these adorations are two rounds of requests. Notice how the first round of prayer begins with a God-focus. This first set of concerns is the advancement of His kingdom and the execution of His will on earth: “Thy kingdom come. . . Thy will be done.” God’s business must be addressed before our interests. Afterwards our needs are addressed: daily bread, forgiveness, and deliverance from evil. Note that both sets of requests are inserted between the bookends of praise. It is significant that both the beginning and the ending in the model prayer highlight our unending obligation to praise the Lord. Here the Lord is reminding us of the importance of God-centered and worship-based prayer.
Selfishness may lead us to pray, but it is esteem for God that prompts us to praise. It has been said that most prayer revolves around self. And this involves three entities; “I,” “Me,” and “My.” But real prayer is not about “I,” “Me,” or “My.” It is about God’s name, God’s will, and God’s glory! Any other focus is in diametric opposition to the pattern given by Jesus. My desires, my will, and my way are always secondary.
Who could deny that much praying today is man-focused? So much of what we have been exposed to in prayer gatherings leans in this direction. Further, who has not fallen prey to the trap of self-centered praying? But Jesus’s pattern calls for a paradigm shift. The main concentration in prayer must be upon the Person of God. He alone is worthy to be praised, and He alone is able to supply our needs. After praying for His kingdom to be advanced and His will to be implemented, we are encouraged to bring our requests to Him.
These bookends should serve to redirect our practice of prayer both privately, and publicly. Exalting His name helps us rise above that which is selfish, trivial, mundane, and monotonous. Praise is a call to BEHOLD OUR GOD. Tuning our hearts to praise God on earth aligns us with the atmosphere in heaven. There is a never-ending festival of praise occurring in glory—unceasing worship around the Throne. Praising God in the here-and-now is none other than choir practice for heaven! The thing that distinguishes authentic faith from mere religion is our great hope of a better day in heaven.
Bookends are designed to prevent books from collapsing on the bookshelf. Using these scriptural bookends as guardrails will assist us in not falling into the ditch of man-centered prayer. So, begin and end your prayer times with praise. In the middle of this sandwich, give yourself to devoted intercession. Begin with God’s concerns, and then include man’s affairs. Both sections of requests should be addressed between praises. Thomas Watson said, “In prayer we act like men, in praise act like angels.” Ask God to direct you as you pray in this manner.
Confidently bring your burdens and requests. Come boldly to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). Don’t be shy. Ask in faith, and expect answers. Timid prayers are the fruit of unbelief. Pray BIG. Believe BIG! Expect BIG! Remember the centurion who approached Jesus for the healing of his servant. Jesus consented to come to his home and heal Him. But the centurion said, “. . . speak the word only, and my servant will be healed” (Matthew 8:8). Jesus marveled at his faith and the servant was healed at that instant!
Never forget, praise will prepare you for prayer like nothing else! Praise-filled prayer inclines your heart to believe you will receive great things. When you magnify God, it amplifies faith. Begin your prayer with praise. Linger in intercession as long as the burden persists. Then use the other bookend to praise some more.
Harold Vaughan
This article is from chapter two of our new book – ABLAZE! The 21-Day Praise Challenge by Harold Vaughan. The books are arriving from the publisher this week! Click HERE for more information and order your copy today!
