Prayer as Petition

A petition is a formal request. It is an appeal to authority. A respectful request of support for a particular cause.

When we come before God with a prayer of petition, we come before God with the humble posture of a subject making a formal request to The King. Formality is not the same as unfamiliarity. On the contrary, with God, formality implies the rightful recognition of exactly how far above us is the God to whom we are appealing.

As we learn about the other ways that we can pray to our Heavenly Father, it is our hope that we never lose the sense of awe and wonder felt by the petitioner who enters The King's throne room for the first time. Remember the advice of another king, Solomon, as we approach that throne together.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Proverbs 9:10 ESV

As you encounter specific issues, delays, or setbacks in the coming days, try bringing them before The King of Kings in the pattern of petition used by Hannah in 1 Samuel 1. Do not use her language; be yourself before The King that knows you better than you know yourself. Rather, practice Hannah's posture, the posture of a humble petitioner requesting aid and favor.

She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. And she vowed and said, "O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head." 1 Samuel 10-11 ESV

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help us be humble like Hannah. We come to you in petition of our needs and desires. We ask you to have favor on us. Your will, not ours. Thank you for all you do and will do for us. In Your Son's Holy Name. AMEN.