I have never had the opportunity to speak with a king. I imagine that would require a special protocol. I would have to wear fine clothes and learn the courtesies that such an occasion necessitates. Many attendants and officials would oversee the event and I would only be allowed in certain rooms, and then only with an escort.
Why do we consider prayer with any less circumspection? When we pray, we are coming before Almighty God, the King of all kings, and the Lord of all Lords. Yet sometimes we may make flippant requests without much thought of Him. The truth is that coming into God’s presence does require certain protocols. We cannot enter without the blood of Jesus purifying us for entry. Then Jesus is our high priest taking us before the Father. Jesus, in fact, is our Intercessor and Advocate with the Father. The Holy Spirit speaks on our behalf with groanings too deep for words, because we don’t know how to make our requests.
Psalm 5:1-2 says, “Give ear to my words, O Lord; consider my groaning. Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray.” The psalmist understood that he was not worthy to make his requests before God. He remembered that God was King over all. And, therefore, he made his plea before Him. Before we begin our prayers, we must remember with whom we are speaking. We must come humbly before Him, depending on the blood of Jesus and His presence as our Advocate and Intercessor. Starting our prayers with praise can help us remember with whom we are approaching to speak.
Reluctant Retiree 