FBCD_FaithEssentials_June_FlipBook

Faith Essentials

circumstances. We should “ask, seek, and knock,” yet not before becoming more connected with the One able to give. For example, what is your impression of a friend, family member, or co-worker who greets you with a barrage of requests without even bothering to engage in some introductory conversation? If you’re a grandparent, how do you feel if your grandchild barges into the house and says, “give me this, do that, take me there, and fix this”? You’d like to do all these things, but wouldn’t you rather they climb up in your lap, give you a big hug, and tell you first how much they love and appreciate you? Come to God first with praise and adoration, a practice which biblical prayers often modeled. “Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,” said David, “My lips will praise You” (Psalm 63:1). Following the completion of the wall around Jerusalem, the spiritual leaders proclaimed, “Stand up and praise the LORD your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be your glorious name and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise” (Nehemiah 9:5). Jesus provides the best example in the opening line of what has become known as The Lord’s Prayer: “ Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name” (Matthew 6:9). Hallowed is a New Testament expression used only in reference to the name of God. The Greek word for our word hallow is hagiazo, meaning “to revere or sanctify.” 2 This comes first because it helps shift our focus from ourselves to God. Of course, we have needs, otherwise why would we have come to Him in prayer? However, building a relationship with God, as opposed to sharing our requests to Him, should be our priority. “Since its source is God Himself, praise centers on the excellencies, perfections and glories of His nature, His character and His role in human affairs. It is the most appropriate way to enter His presence.” 3 As we probe deeper into the matter, note these two biblical truths regarding praise.

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