In my work as a Chaplain I’m frequently asked to pray with or for someone, Christian or otherwise; when asked I will typically query what they would like for us to lift up in prayer. Their request, understandably in a hospital or hospice setting, is often for healing, peace, hope, understanding, strength, reconciliation or something along those lines. It’s such a blessing to be invited into their journey and to be a witness to their vulnerability, especially at difficult times.
While I firmly believe there are no wrong answers when it comes to praying, it strikes me that too often in our haste to get to our own needs, we overlook the examples of prayer given to us in most faith traditions. In Christianity Jesus demonstrates this to His disciples in the Our Father where in Matthew 6:9 He begins His teaching on prayer, “Our Father in Heaven, hallowed (praised) be your name…” He initiates His example of prayer with praise, showing us that we connect with God the Father through our prayer when we begin by praising Him. Further, practicing what He preaches in Luke 10:21, Jesus prays to the Father, “At that time, full of the Holy Spirit, Jesus said ‘I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth…’” He leads by example.
“Prayer is the very soul and essence of religion, and therefore prayer must be the very core of the life of man.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
Opening with praise is also demonstrated elsewhere in Jewish Sacred Scripture particularly when God sends Judah up first when fighting the enemies of Israel (Judges 1:2, 20:18); Judah means “praise,” and how fitting that the praise of God should always come first when facing our battles in life. Also, the Islamic phrase “Alhamdulillah” (Praise/Thanks be to God), used to express gratitude, captures this concept as well. To Hindus, Buddhists and Jains, the daily Puja is a ceremonial worship and prayer ritual offering devotional homage and praise to one or more deities.
The lesson for all us us whether Christian, Jew, Muslim or any other faith tradition: praise and thanksgiving, an attitude of gratitude, putting those first before launching into our needs and requests aligns our prayers with an almighty and powerful Creator God worthy of our praise.
Reflection question:
What do you think about prayer and praise, and is there anything you would like to lift up in prayer today?
Scripture References
Matthew 6:9 Luke 10:21 Judges 1:20 Judges 20:18
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