The protocol for prayer is established by both the "chain of command" in the Holy Trinity and the
prayers of both Christ and The Holy Spirit. The prayers of the Apostles also give us a template
for correct prayer procedure, and don't doubt for a minute that there is not a precise format
for prayer!
A Christian is never to pray to any other than The Father. He is the Designer of the Plan of God
for mankind and the Person of the Godhead that has assumed the responsibility of managing the
Divine experiment of Creation.
Many scriptures establish this fact when they specify that both Christ and The Spirit were sent
by The Father. Christ spoke many times of "The One who sent Me". He also spoke of the coming
ministry of The Holy Spirit in these terms in the upper room when He promised the disciples that
50 days hence (Pentecost) they would be given power, sent from The Father.
On the Mount of Transfiguration the ascendent role of The Father was further established. As you will
recall, on that occassion the impetuous Peter was spouting off about erecting a tent on the crest of
Mount Moriah and hanging out there indefinately (he liked the ambience apparently), but The Father's
booming voice bade him shut his mouth and pay attention, in effect.
Consequently, praying to Jesus or The Spirit, and most certainly a human being (Mary)!, is an exercise
in futility. Those petitions go no higher than the ceiling.
The proper protocol for prayer is addressed to The Father, in the name of The Son and the power of The
Spirit. The sequence of petitions is; first, thanksgiving. Second, intercession for others, requests
involving the nation, etc. Third, personal requests for self. Allow me to present a short example, one
that is appropriate in our current national dilemma....
Heavenly Father,
Thank you, Sir, for your blessing to me, for keeping me
here yet another
day in order that I may advance toward the high ground
of my spiritual life
and accomplish that destiny for which you gave me life
and saved me.
I pray this day, Father, that you deliver our nation from the utter destruction
we
so richly deserve. This greatest of all free peoples have turned away from
You,
O God, and become mired in worldly pursuits. Your Word is not in their
hearts,
nor your Spirit in their souls to guide them.
To this end, continue to bless our President with wisdom and determination,
Father.
Protect him from those who would destroy him for selfish reasons; power
lust, greed,
and their love of evil. Keep in his soul, Father, a committment to
support your
people, Israel and protect them from their many enemies.
I ask also that You shield our young men in uniform, Father, where they carry
the sword
in the name of our country. Give them courage Father and a cool
head under fire. Bring
them home to their loved ones safely, Merciful Father.
For myself, Sir, I ask only that The Holy Spirit guide me, summoning those
doctrines in
my soul and enabling me to apply them to my life today. Bless
my employer, Father, with
prosperity for their support of your servant.
Bless our pastor, Sir, in his ministry, and bless my family, my friends and
countrymen.
I pray in the Name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, to Whom be glory for ever and ever.
Amen.