Prayer: An Audience with the Great Consider how often an ordinary man is allowed an audience with a king. This is an exceedingly rare occurrence in contemporary times as well as throughout history. Speaking to a king is a great privilege that has always been granted only to a few. Initiating conversation with a king is even rarer—not very many are allowed this privilege. However, this is not so with the King that we serve—God the Father, Lord of Hosts, King of Kings. Our heavenly Father not only allows us the great opportunity and privilege to speak to Him but He entreats us eagerly to do so. God wants to hear from us. Have you ever thought about what a gift prayer is? Prayer: A Privilege Prayer is a source of strength for us (1 Pet. 5:6-7), a chance to get to know our God (Rom. 12:12), a chance to express our appreciation for what He has blessed us with (Lk. 17:15), and an avenue for us to seek forgiveness for our sins (Mk. 11:25). Jesus would spend a significant amount of His day praying. The apostle Paul prayed without ceasing and encouraged others to do the same (1 Thess. 5:17; 1 Thess. 2:13; Rom. 1:9). How often do you take advantage of this great privilege? We do not have to dress up to come before God’s presence; we do not have to wash ceremoniously. We can address God while driving a car, working, or exercising. Sometimes we need to spend large amounts of time in prayer to God. Sometimes we need to find a quiet place to organize our thoughts. Still, we don’t have to put off praying until we have thirty minutes free. Prayer can be offered at all times and for various amounts of time. What Do You Say to a King? Prayer should not be viewed flippantly or casually. When we speak to God, we speak to the highest authority: the great King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We need to show Him the proper respect. To pray is to humble ourselves before God (Jam. 4:10). On the other hand, we shouldn’t worry too much about the words themselves. When we pray, vocabulary doesn’t necessary matter in the same way it would in an address to an earthly king. Flowery sentences or poetic imagery is not necessary; neither are old recycled phrases that carry little meaning. This is not to say that we shouldn’t take pains to express ourselves clearly or glorify God by referring to Him in the language ascribed to Him in scripture. Still we shouldn’t be so focused on using clever language that we forget about heartfelt communication with God. Christ’s Model Prayer “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” (Matt. 6:7-8, ESV). Jesus taught His disciples to pray in a different way than the Pharisees. We are not to pray to be noticed by men; we are to pray to communicate with God. Jesus’ model prayer was direct and meaningful: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matt. 6:9-13). God is Listening Who is greater than God? Who is higher? Who is more powerful? God is listening. He has made it possible for us to come before His throne and address Him. Isn’t it amazing? God wants to hear from us. He wants to hear from you.
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