“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’”
—Matthew 6:9-10 (NIV)
Jesus taught us to begin our prayers by focusing on God’s greatness and holiness. When we wake up, before distractions take hold, we can start our day by acknowledging Him. Simply saying, “Good morning, Heavenly Father. Good morning, Lord Jesus. Good morning, Holy Spirit,” directs our hearts toward God’s presence, allowing us to experience His “awe and wonder” from the moment we open our eyes. Paul reinforces this idea in Colossians 3:1-2, urging us to “set your hearts on things above.” By centering our thoughts on God first, we block distractions and temptations, setting the tone for our day. In these moments, we consciously place our trust and dependence on Him, recognizing His presence with us.
The next part of the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:10) calls us to desire God’s Kingdom to come, not just in the world, but in our hearts. This isn’t a passive request but an intentional surrender of control, allowing God’s rule to take root within us. By aligning our will with His, we open ourselves to His transforming power. We desire His Kingdom values—righteousness, peace, and joy—to shape our thoughts, actions, and character, as we participate in His greater plan. Romans 14:17 reminds us, God’s Kingdom brings righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. By giving God our first thoughts and focusing on Him, we open ourselves to His grace, shaping every part of our day.
Prayer:
Good morning, Father. I give You my first thoughts today. Let Your Kingdom come into my heart. Help me align my will with Yours and experience Your peace and joy. Amen.