Jesus' Blueprint for Prayer

Jesus’ Blueprint for Prayer

With the second phrase, “who IS in heaven” Jesus emphasizes the necessity of a firm foundation. The basis for this foundation is the character of God.

   The character of God is clearly seen in His dialogue with Moses at the burning bush. It is first seen when Moses sees a bush burning with fire, but is not consumed. Then God tells him to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground. Next, we see His character when God says to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM…” (Ex. 3:14) The “who is” and the “I AM” refer to the same person.

   We see in other Scriptures that God’s character is closely associated with establishing a solid foundation. The Psalmist said, “He established the earth upon its foundation, so that it will not totter forever and ever.” (Ps. 104:5) To Job God said, “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” (Job 38:4) Solomon stated, “God marked out the foundation of the earth” (Pr. 8:29)

   When Elaine and I built our first house on a hillside outside Hermann, Mo., we make doubly sure that the footing (foundation) for the house was laid well below the frost line. The entire weight of the superstructure rested upon that foundation. Thirty-six years have passed and the house is still standing.

   Our prayer life is not only dependent upon the character of “who God is,” but also upon the fact that he is firmly established in heaven ruling the universe. Nothing happens that escapes his attention. He knows all and sees all. It is assuring to know and believe that our God “who IS,” is in full control of all that takes place in heaven and on earth.

   Is your prayer life firmly established upon the character of God?  Just remember he is the God is the present tense.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you that we can begin our prayers with “Our Father who IS in heaven.”