This, then, is how you should pray.
—Matthew 6:9
Do you ever get your prayers upside down? I do. I sometimes put the things that should be last first and the things that should be first last.
Here’s what I mean. My prayers usually center on me and mine. My needs. My family. My friends. My concerns.
When Jesus taught us how to pray, he first lifted our eyes to heaven. Before addressing our wants, wishes, and needs, we are to contemplate our Father’s name, kingdom, and world: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Mt 6:9–10).
Only after putting first things first should we ask for a biscuit for ourselves: “Give us today our daily bread” (Mt 6:11).
Soli Deo gloria.