He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’”

–Parallel verses:
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭12‬-‭15‬
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord, or instruct the Lord as his counselor? Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding? Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust.

I played high school football and I remember that, though the game was a mere 2-3 hours of time, the preparation was 5X that each week. Then there were the off-season lifting programs to add strength and muscle mass in order to excel. Imagine a boy showing up to a high school football game with flags, wearing shorts and a tee shirt, no pads or helmet. He would not be allowed to play. People may counsel him and try to help him prepare better for the next game, but he would not be able to enter the game and compete.

In likewise fashion, as we approach God in prayer, we must prepare our hearts to be in his presence. We must recognize who we approach, his power, his authority, and his redemptive work in us. His position is in heaven on the throne and he loves us. And we must praise him and give him glory as we recount his wonderful works. He loves us and touches us in life in so many ways. We just need to open up our eyes more to see it! Do I understand that God is for me, the God of the universe? He is the one who measures the waters in the hollow of his hand, and with the breadth of his hand marks off the heavens! How Unfathomable! He who holds the earth in a basket is willing to listen to our prayers! Pretty Incredible!

Just like you would not show up to a game without the proper preparation and equipment, so too, we must prepare our hearts and minds to approach God. Then we can pray with confidence. Then our prayers and the desires of our hearts will align with God’s will. When we recognize who God is … and that he loves us and shows up for us in the challenges of life, our problems will not seem as big.

Lord, may I continue to recognize who you are, whose I am, and the awesomeness of your power. May I rejoice in you and all your blessings and works. Help me to do the preparatory prayer work to be effective when I call on your name.