Adoration

Everyone I know loves to hear good things about themselves. We long for recognition, for feeling appreciated. We should never do anything for the praise of others, but, if we’re being honest, it feels really good to have people tell us just how great we are. Being adored by others can be intoxicating, but we have to remember one thing. We are NOT the source of what makes us who we are.  That alone belongs to God.

O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God; sing praises to the Lord, Selah to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; behold, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice. Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and whose power is in the skies. Awesome is God from his sanctuary; the God of Israel—he is the one who gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God!
Ps 68:32–35

As we’re talking about prayer this week, we’ll be talking about the A.C.T.S. of prayer. A.C.T.S. is an acronym for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. Today, we’re talking about Adoration. First, let’s just get this out of the way. God doesn’t need your adoration. He doesn’t need your praise.  He doesn’t need your recognition.

He DESERVES it.

There is only one who could create the heavens and the earth by simply speaking.  There is only one who can create color, sound, and taste. There is only one who could come up with something as massive as the blue whale, and then create something as small and intricate as the hummingbird. Every blessing we have comes from him.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James 1:17

We give adoration as part of prayer, not because it makes God feel better about himself, but because it gives us scope. Sometimes, we need to remember who we are and what our place is in this world. We are not God. On the surface, we get that, but, in practice, that is actually a huge struggle for many. We can see ourselves as the center of the universe. We see the lives we live as a story that centers around us. If I do this, then the world will change, because of it. That causes us to have a very high opinion of ourselves.

That’s why you’ll hear so often, “I can’t worship a God who…” You enter what that thing is, but I’m sure you’ve heard that statement. The reality here is that God doesn’t need you to decide what He does or doesn’t do. He’s in charge. He makes the call….not us. Adoration is so important in prayer, in order for us to understand that we are talking to the ONE who is truly great. We are speaking with the God of the universe. We are literally speaking with the King of Kings. Having a healthy understanding of God’s greatness allows us to come to Him in humility and to accept what He tells us.

The best example we’ve ever had of prayer was given to us by Jesus, and He starts the prayer with adoration.

Pray then like this:
“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

Adoration places authority in the correct place. Adoration helps us appreciate, and feel honored when we get the opportunity to have a one-on-one with God Himself. If you really think about it, how amazing is that? We GET to talk to GOD!!!! Most people, when they meet someone famous, or someone they adore, immediately begin rattling off how much they love that person and how they admire their accomplishments. When we take the time to realize just how great God is, how could we not start every prayer by giving Him all the praise and adoration anyone could ask for?

Take some time today and simply tell God how much you adore Him.