The Who of Prayer

As a kid, I wanted to grow up to be a detective. I loved Encyclopedia Brown books, Agatha Christie novels, The Westing Game, and more. And to this day, I still love a good mystery book or spy story. (Sadly, I've never gotten to fulfill my childhood dream of detective-ing... other than my one-night job as a private eye, but that's a story for another time.)

When I watch a spy movie, it is common to see a folder or paper on the screen labeled "Top Secret" or "Eyes Only." These documents are supposedly only to be read by certain people with a certain level of security clearance. Without that vetted clearance, you are not the "who" those documents are intended for.

The Wrong and Right Who

Some religions or faith groups encourage their adherents to pray to ancestors, saints, or various gods. But like people without the proper security clearance, ancestors and false gods are the wrong "who" when it comes to prayer.

As we get into this new Investigating Prayer series, the first thing we see in Jesus' instructions on prayer in Matthew 6:5-13 is that there are two "who's" involved in this sacred act.

Who #1

The first "who" is you. Notice how Jesus starts off his teaching on the topic...

"And when you pray..." (Matthew 6:5a)

Jesus acknowledges that the pray-er is you. While others can pray for you (like for your health), they can't replace you. No saint gone before you will pray in your place. Rather, you are invited to "draw near the throne of grace" with "confidence" (Hebrews 4:16) because of what Christ did through the cross and empty tomb.

Who #2

The second (and most important) "who" of prayer is the recipient - God! Notice how Jesus instructs us to begin our prayers...

"Our Father in heaven," (Matthew 6:9a)

Like an earthly dad who loves to be greeted by his kids after a long day at work, God delights in receiving your prayers. Prayer reminds us of our dependency upon Him, and so we are invited to bring our prayers directly to the Father. After all, as Jesus says in verse 8, God already "knows what you need before you ask" because He knows you and cares for you.

So even though our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting ended ten days ago, may you continue to come to your Heavenly Father in prayer day after day after day. He wants to hear from you!