Introduction:
After establishing the foundation of prayer on our relationship with God as "Father" next our Lord takes us to the next level.

Reverence:
The principle of "Revelation" deals with the problem of Reverence.
In order for prayer to be effective it MUST be centered and focused on God. When we don't reverence God we focus on ourselves, our feelings, our problems, and needs. The result is we leave the place of prayer more hopeless and with a greater since of helplessness than before we prayed.

Let me explain the word reverence. Webster defines "reverence" as a profound feeling of awe and respect. The problem of reverence deals with the fact that we need to be reminded of the greatness of God.

A revelation (understanding) of God automatically produces a sense of reverence. Reverence manifest itself in personal praise. The expression "Hallowed be Thy Name..." is an expression of personal praise.

"Reference" manifest itself in personal praise. A revelation (understanding) of God automatically produces a sense of reverence. The expression "Hallowed be Thy Name..." is an expression of personal praise. This is where one enjoys God. As you are in His presence He begins to change you. This change prepares you to pray effectively.

"Hallowed Be Thy Name..."

"Father" was the most common title Jesus used in referring to God. It was intended to be a title of identification and intimacy. This title in one word signifies the relationship we as believers have with God. This relationship is the basis for an ever expanding revelation of who God is. Understanding who God is determines your expression of prayer. Stated very simply, the more you know God, the more effective your prayer time will be with God.

Jesus said, "Hallowed be Thy Name..." In the Old Testament there are eight different compound names of God. Each of these names is a revelation of who God is and what He wants to be and do in your life.

Below is the list of the names of God and the corresponding blessing:

As your "revelation" (understanding) of God is enlarged your prayers are expanded and become more effective. You begin to understand that prayer can do anything God can do, and God can do anything. Imagine the possibilities, the potential for changing your life that your time with God has.

The Results of Revelation

Revelation Results: Enjoy God.

• Psalms 16:11, "...in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures evermore."

• Revelation produces reverence. Reverence results in personal praise. Praise brings us into His presence.

Revelation Results: Releases faith.

• Ephesians 3:20, "Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or thing..."

• The Word of God produces faith but, praise releases that faith.

• God works in response to faith.

Revelation Results: Changes your request.

• John 14:14, "If you ask anything in my name I will do it."

• Your request change as you understand God more. You ask in keeping with His character (name) and in keeping with His will.

Revelation Results: You don't have to understand.

• Isaiah 55:9, "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than ours, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

• Even when you don't understand you believe, because you KNOW God.

Attitudes and Actions That Hinder Prayer

Prayer problems fall into two major categories: 1.) things that are wrong in your attitudes and actions or 2.) things that can interfere with your concentration and hinder the effectiveness of your times with the Lord.

• Wanting your own will, not God's.

• Selfishness and wrong motives (James 4:2-3)

• Unforgiving spirit (Matthew 5:23-24)

• Lack of compassion (Proverbs 21:13)

• Lack of domestic harmony or peace with mate, children, relatives (1 Peter 3:7)

• Pride (Job 35:12-13)

• Disobedience (1 John 3:22)

• Lack of faith (James 5:15)

• Failure to ask according to God's will (1 John 5:14)

• Hypocrisy (Matthew 6:5)

• Wrong attitudes; e.g., impure thoughts, jealousy, guilt, worry, discouragement, critical spirit, frustration

• Loss of first love (Rev. 2:4)

• Luke-warmness (Rev. 3:16

• Critical attitude (Matthew 7: 1-5)