KINGDOM PRAYING

Many believers do not understand that they belong to the kingdom of God and that they are responsible for influencing, dominate, and manage the affairs of the earth. God gave us this mandate in Genesis 1:26-28 and it states, “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” He placed us in charge He will not intervene unless we request Him to do so, and this is where kingdom praying avails.

Prayer is directly talking to God; it is sharing thoughts and concerns. Many of us have been intimidated by the prayer styles of others, but there is no need to be because God listens to all of us.

Jesus disciples observed His prayer habits, and they requested Him to teach them how to pray. Please note that this is the only teaching request recorded that the disciples made of Jesus (Luke 11:1). In response, Jesus taught them the prayer that can be found in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4. Some of the things this prayer reveals are what our attitude should be when we pray and the relationship between the participant and God. Relationship and attitude are essential in getting a favorable response from God, so let me share some vital information with you.

When we say, “Our Father which art in heaven,” we display a father/child relationship who realizes unselfishly we are not God’s only child. Isn’t it wonderful to know God can hear millions of prayers at the same time?

When we say, “Hallowed be thy name,” we reverently display a deity/worshipper relationship knowing the name of God is precious and should be respected.

When we say, “Thy kingdom come,” we are displaying a sovereign/subject relationship which is loyal to their king.

When we say, “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven,” we are displaying a master/servant relationship who submits to the dictates of their King knowing that heaven contains the best and God desires the same for the earth.

When we say, “Give us this day our daily bread,” we are displaying a benefactor/beneficiary relationship who knows that God is our only source and we are not to worry about tomorrow.

When we say,” And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,” we are displaying a savior/sinner relationship for we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Plus, just as we desire God to forgive us, we must willingly do the same to those that offended us.

When we say, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,” we are displaying a guide/follower relationship. We are not successful on our own merits; therefore, we must humble ourselves and seek the help and strength of God, for we will go astray and become easy prey for the enemy without divine intervention.

When we say, “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever,” we are displaying a king/citizen relationship who confidently acknowledges as we did at the beginning of this prayer the sovereignty and omnipotence of our Father God.

There is coming a day when believers will no longer need to pray to God because we will be with Him. However, until that time comes, I encourage you with the right attitude and relationship to pray without ceasing; remembering your prayers gives God access to earth.