“After this, I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me.” Revelation 4:1
Dear Ones:
In Jesus’ teaching on prayer, He begins by dealing with the preciousness, and sacredness of prayer. He says, “When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father, which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” (Matt. 6:6) What a marvelous privilege and wonder it is that the Almighty God who has become the believer’s Father, bids His child to come alone, in quietness and confidence, to truly meet with God! There is nothing on this earth that is higher, and more blessed, than the communion and fellowship of the believer with his Creator, and Redeemer. There is also great “reward” in the believer’s approach to have fellowship with God, a reward that is seen, known, and realized in this world. However, because of the preciousness and the privilege of such a relationship and meeting, Jesus puts the believer on guard by saying that several things are unacceptable before God, the first being, “much speaking.” Does this mean that we are not to pray much? No, but it does mean that what we pray is to be the simple, direct, clear, the honest and sincere expression of the heart to God. There is to be no effort to impress Him, or others, by much speaking. The second thing is connected to the first. God knows our needs, and is willing to meet those needs in answer to simple prayer and faith. He does not need to be approached as one who needs to be informed, but as one who, knowing all, is willing to reveal to us what we need to pray for. In regard to what we should pray for, we come to three fundamental things that occur always, and perfectly, in heaven. These are those things for which we should pray, so that they be known and seen on earth, where we live, even in our own hearts.
The first of these three characteristics of heaven is the “hallowing” of the Father’s name. In the book of Revelation, chapter 4, John the Apostle describes what he sees in heaven. He even hears a mighty, powerful voice declaring God’s intent to reveal to John, and to us the things of heaven. In John’s vision, the first thing he sees is a throne, and one sitting on it. In seeing God on His throne, there are two things that immediately stand out with regard to hallowing the name of God. The first is the constant proclamation by heavenly beings, declaring, “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” (v.8) The proclamation by these beings brings before us the absolute reality, and necessity on earth, that God is to be worshipped as Holy, unique, separate from His creation as the Creator. God is not of this earth, and certainly not of this “world.” His name, and that of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, are to be constantly honored as such. John then hears twenty four elders declaring: “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor, and power: for Thou hast created all things.” (v.11) God’s name is hallowed also because He is the only one in heaven and earth who possesses the absolute worth to be worshipped. There is none higher, greater, more gracious and merciful, than the Eternal God.
The second characteristic of heaven, concerns His kingdom, that actual reign of God in power and authority. There is no discord in heaven, no disputing His gracious rule and reign. Where He reigns, His peace, blessing, and glory, is abundantly revealed. The Father wills that that His reign should be sought and prayed for, established in the hearts of all men.
Thirdly, God’s will is done in heaven. Obedient faith in God is that most marvelous expression of love and devotion to Him. As it was with Christ, immeasurable, eternal blessings are the result of praying: “…Thy will be done.”
Father, Teach us to pray aright. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad