Children in the Courts of the Most High King (11/1/13)

Years ago I was facing some challenges and asked my brother for prayer and counsel.  Before we began to pray, he told me to close my eyes and picture us as two little children.  I had seen pictures of him as a young boy, and he had been a teen during my childhood.  It was fairly easy to see younger versions of ourselves.  He set the scene of a very majestic palace.  We were entering through the gates into a room full of dignitaries who had come with urgent business for the king.  I remember slowly walking down that hallway.  I saw lavish curtains and people sitting beside the walls.  Aged men in regal garments were speaking in hushed tone as they waited their turn with the King of Kings.

 Holding hands, we approached the huge throne, where our Heavenly Father was speaking with several important looking individuals.  As we came near the throne we heard that familiar, reassuring voice.  As His left hand rose gently to pause the conversation, His other hand was extended in our direction, beckoning us forward. With button popping pride, he stated, “One moment please, these are my kids!”  His face turned in our direction, and love radiated from His eyes.  We crawled into our extremely important Papa’s lap, and Dave proceeded to tell Him of our request.  I could only nod and agree.  God smiled and replied, “Okay, I can do that for you.”  He hugged us tight, kissed our cheeks and sent us on our way.  We crawled down from His lap and bounded back down the hallway we had entered from.  Dave was running and pulling me along as I skipped back to the door.

 Envisioning this scene many times in the years since, prayer has become comfortable for me.  Yet, I am aware that prayer can seem foreign or uncomfortable to many.  Some feel as though a different tone of voice is required when offering up petitions, supplications and intercession (or other strange words) before God.  Prayer can become a job or an obligation, rather than genuine communication with our loving Father.  Do not get me wrong, respect and awareness of His mighty position are essential.  Little children are aware of how big daddy is.  They may even tremble in his presence if they feel they may anger or disappoint him.  But children talk to dad, and we are to talk to our Father, God.

 In the Word we are given several directions on how to pray.  Jesus was asked by His disciples to teach them to pray He gave an outline to follow in what is commonly called The Lord’s Prayer. (I’ve included the entire passage in both Amplified and New Living Translations at the end of this post) The first words are Our Father.  We are to open prayer remembering that we are talking to our father.  We are told how to enter His presence.  “Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise.” (Psalm 100:4 NLT) We are also instructed to come with confidence. “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (Hebrews 4:16 NLT)

 These are only a few of the many, many references to prayer found in the scriptures.  Taking time to search them out reveals that God wants us to come to Him and answers when we do. Romans 8 declares that we are fellow heirs with Christ, ^“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ,” (v16-17a) and siblings of Jesus. “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (v29) As the eldest son, Jesus is most qualified to instruct on any subject, especially communicating with God, the Father.  We can follow His words and examples. “Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” (v34)

 This imagery has stayed with me over the years.  I have often shared this with others as we begin to approach the throne together.  In my own mind, I have taken friends there repeatedly.  I now see my elder brother Jesus encouraging me.  And I always find that same love in our Father’s eyes.  I leave my problems in my extremely important Papa’s lap, and I skip away with the lingering comfort of tight hugs and His reassuring voice.         

So today, as you make your requests known to your extremely important Papa; close your eyes and imagine the scene. This time it is a very young version of you.  You may be by yourself, with a friend or even in a group. (It is amazing how many can fit in His huge lap) Laugh, cry, chat and then skip away, knowing that Papa cares more about you then you can imagine.  You are one of ‘His kids!’

  

Matthew 6:8b – 13

…Father knows what you need before you ask Him.  Pray, therefore, like this: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (kept holy) be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.   And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven (left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have given up resentment against) our debtors.  And lead (bring) us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. (AMP)

for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!  Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.   May your Kingdom come soon.  May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.  Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.  And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. (NLT)