When Jesus’ disciples asked him to teach them how to pray, he began with acknowledging God, “Our Father,” for who he is. Our understanding of what is will be deficient to the degree that we do not know God as he has revealed himself because all things were made by him and for him. For this reason, Jesus taught his followers the primary request in prayer is that God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
What’s going on in heaven? Worship. John’s vision gives us a glimpse (Revelation 4 and 5); the scene is one of spectacular order and beauty. All that happens is focused on the majestic being and gracious activities of the triune God. The endeavor of every created being is adoringly toward the One who is in focus because he alone has made this possible through his creative will and redemptive sacrifice.
Every creature in the heavenly scene enters into the resounding chorus, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” In this scene Christ is preeminent in everything. This is what is going on in heaven, so we are to ask that the same happens where we are now. All my activity, intellect, wealth, and ability are directed toward the One who is worthy of my unrivaled devotion. Everything that is weighty, beautiful, and praiseworthy is anchored in the One who is my deepest satisfaction and highest good.
This may not be happening around me, but I can seek the Spirit’s presence and power to see that it is happening in me and through me. Now is a good time to engage in this as dress rehearsal for our ultimate reality. We are told that every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father (Philippians 2:10-11). To do this now is to worship God through the preeminence of Christ in all our endeavors.
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