“Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name.’” Matthew 6:9 ESV
When my alarm goes off at 3:45 AM, my mind starts racing. Usually I can calm my mind down by talking to God a bit while still lying in the dark, but last week my first thought of the day was the realization that the room my department reserved for a meeting was double-booked.
Not a great way to start the day.
And forget calming my mind enough to focus on my Bible reading as I try not to spill my mug of coffee. I read the same passage multiple times before I digested what it said.
Again, not a great way to start the day. . . and my quiet time with God.
I enjoy listening to Christian speakers online, and one day I came across a talk discussing how to prepare myself to hear from God. Although I never thought of preparing for my quiet time in this way, the concept made sense. Speaker and author Priscilla Shirer describes it as positioning yourself to hear from God, and having a posture (physically and spiritually) that allows you to interact with and hear from God.
So, when my mind is racing through all the things I need to accomplish that day, I need to position myself and prepare to hear from God.
Easier said than done.
I decided to give it a try, and one morning found myself reciting the Lord’s Prayer. Since I know it from memory, I could sit and speak it without trying to remember the text.
But rather than reciting it straight through by rote, I paused after each line and elaborated with my own words, therefore using the scripture to guide my personal prayer.
It went something like this:
“Our Father in Heaven” – where You reign supreme, there is no one higher or equal to You
“Hallowed be Your name” – Siri, what does “hallowed” mean? Holy, consecrated, greatly revered and honored
“Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” – Your will in all things, not mine, because Your will is perfect
“Give us this day our daily bread” – You know what I need today (lately it’s been patience and graciousness)
“And forgive us our debts” – insert list here (again, lately it’s had to do with patience and graciousness)
“As we also have forgiven our debtors.” – Yes, I have a list. Yes, I pray for the people on that list. No, I shouldn’t have a list.
“And lead us not into temptation” – The temptation to judge or be unloving
“But deliver us from evil” – You have the power to do this, and I believe You want to do this
“For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen” – Not just today, not just tomorrow, but for eternity
Then my mind was focused on God and His goodness, and I dove into His Word with anticipation.
I’ve done this for a few days in a row, using different words to elaborate on each phrase.
And it’s working.
Check out Priscilla Shirer’s talk “Position Yourself to Hear From God.”
Questions: Do you have a difficult time finding a posture of prayer? What is one thing you’ll try this week to help you focus and find a posture of prayer?
“Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name.’” Matthew 6:9 ESV
