ORDER (HOLY GRAMMAR IV)

 “Let all things be done decently and in order.” – 1Co 14:40.

In many languages, adjectives denoting attributes usually occur in a specific ORDER. Generally, the adjective order in English is: Quantity > Quality > Size > Age > Shape >Colour > Origin > Qualifier

You cannot say “I saw red some really beautiful roses” (It’s “I saw some really beautiful red roses”)

PRAYER is the spiritual language that God, in His infinite wisdom, made available to us to bring all the resources of Heaven to bear in the affairs of the Earth. And like all languages, it also has its own ‘grammatical’ order.

As outlined in scriptures: We are to pray:

To the Father (Eph 1:15-17; 3:14; Phi 1:3,4; Col 1:3; etc.);

In the Name of Jesus (Jn. 14:13-14; 15:16; Acts 3:6,16; 4:7; etc.);

With the help of the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:26; Gal 4:6; Eph 2:18; etc.)

While this may sound pedantic, but this divine order is reflective of God’s relationship with us. Jesus specifically said to His disciples, “And in that day you shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever you shall ASK THE FATHER in my name, he will give it to you;” (Jn 16:23).

Some Believers have a warped image of the Father, seeing Him as austere, severe and unwilling to oblige us. Hence, when they pray, they feel they have to approach Him vicariously. Though they may not stoop as low as praying through the Virgin Mary or some “Saint”, that mindset still reflects itself in the feeling that God is closer to certain special Christians  (read “Pastor”, “Bishop”, “Apostle”, “Evangelist”, etc.), than He is to them. Therefore, when praying, they hold more faith when they declare “The God of (insert title of Man-of-God) will hear me today!”

While this is supposed to be a reflection of the regard they hold for the grace of God on that Minister’s life, it can be symptomatic of an underlying misconception of the God they serve. Note that even our Lord Jesus said, “I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you,” (Jn 16:26). We’re to pray to Him directly.

So, let our prayer be in order: by the help of the Holy Spirit, in the name of

Jesus, to the Father. Why?

Our Lord explains why: “For the Father Himself loves you...” (Jn 16:26).

He wants you to know that “The God of (insert-your-name-here)” is just as powerful enough to move every mountain and work any miracle.

“After this manner therefore pray: Our Father...” – Mat 6:9.

AMEN.

More Blessings await you today; you’ll not miss them in Jesus’ Name.

GREG ELKAN