Friday, August 9 You must pray, then, this way: “Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your Kingdom come. Let your will take place.”​—Matt. 6:9, 10.

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Friday, August 9

You must pray, then, this way: “Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your Kingdom come. Let your will take place.”—Matt. 6:9, 10.

 

We have been granted a marvelous privilege—that of approaching the Maker of heaven and earth in prayer. Just think: We can pour out our hearts to Jehovah at any time and in any language. We can pray to him from a hospital bed or from a prison cell, confident that our loving Father will listen to us. We do not take this privilege for granted. King David treasured the privilege of prayer. He sang to Jehovah: “May my prayer be as incense prepared before you.” (Ps. 141:1, 2) In David’s time, the sacred incense used in true worship by the priests was prepared with great care. (Ex. 30:34, 35) David’s reference to incense suggests that he wanted to give careful thought to what he was going to say to his heavenly Father. That is our earnest desire too. We want our prayers to please Jehovah. w22.0720 ¶1-2; 21 ¶4

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The Privilege of Prayer

 

Prayer is described as a remarkable privilege because it allows direct communication with Jehovah, the Almighty Creator. The passage emphasizes that believers can approach God with their concerns, joys, and requests at any time and from any place. This accessibility underscores Jehovah’s loving and attentive nature, providing comfort and assurance to those who seek Him in prayer.

 

Historical Context and Importance of Prayer

 

King David’s attitude towards prayer is used as an example of how deeply one should value this privilege. In Psalm 141:1-2, David compares his prayers to incense, which in biblical times was a significant element of worship. Incense was prepared meticulously according to divine instructions (Exodus 30:34-35), symbolizing purity, dedication, and the desire to please God. By likening prayer to incense, David conveys his intent to offer prayers that are thoughtful and pleasing to Jehovah.

 

The Attitude in Prayer

 

The passage encourages believers to adopt a similar mindset as David. Just as incense was prepared with great care, believers are urged to put careful thought into their prayers. This means approaching Jehovah with reverence, sincerity, and a genuine desire to align with His will. Thoughtful prayer reflects a deep respect for the relationship with God and a commitment to meaningful communication.

 

Practical Application

 

In practical terms, this means taking time to reflect on what one is going to say in prayer, ensuring that it is sincere and aligns with Jehovah’s principles. Whether in moments of distress, joy, or daily routine, believers are encouraged to pour out their hearts to Jehovah, trusting in His loving attention and care.