While we should be praying vertical prayers, too often we are stuck praying in a horizontal manner. I’m not speaking of the posture we assume when we pray, but the direction of the content of our prayers. There’s a stark difference between the prayers of Jesus and the way we pray. So many of our prayers focus on the people and the world around us but give little attention to the One we are speaking to.
Part of the problem is that we lack the proper realization of what prayer is. It’s not a vehicle to get all the things we desire or even need. After all, God already knows what we need before we ask. (Matthew 6:7-8) We’re not bringing Him new information, but it often seems as if we think we are.
Allow me to state the obvious: when we pray, we are speaking to the Creator of the Universe. Recognize that you are speaking to the one true God, the God who took on human flesh to die for all our sins. (John 1:1; John 1:14; 1 John 2:2) We’re not just speaking to a friend or brother, although He is both. (Hebrews 2:11-12; John 15:15) We aren’t just speaking to an honorable and powerful dignitary, although He is those things as well. This is our Savior and our Lord. (Acts 2:36; Philippians 2:9-11) Without Him, we cannot even think, breathe, or move. (Acts 17:28; Colossians 1:17) He is holy, and we are anything but holy! (Isaiah 6:3; Romans 3:10) We know all this, but how often do we consider it when we pray?
Which leads me back to vertical prayers. The primary focus of our prayers should be the majesty and glory of Jesus. Sure, our backs may hurt, and money might be a little tight this month, but what are those in comparison to the blinding brilliance and perfection of our King? (Revelation 1:15–16) We pray for things that are in this world when our focus should be on the One who is out of this world.
Vertical prayers focus on eternal things, while our horizontal prayers focus on the temporal. (2 Corinthians 4:18) I don’t intend for us to take this too far, as scripture commands us to pray for the sick (James 5:14-15). We’re told to pray for others, with an emphasis on those in power (1 Timothy 2:1-2). For ourselves, we are told to pray for wisdom (James 1:5) and for deliverance from sin and temptation. (Matthew 6:13; Luke 22:40; Luke 21:36). There are other things we’re commanded to pray for that seem to pertain to this world, but in reality focus on seeing God’s will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. (Matthew 6:10). These would include praying for things like unity among believers (John 17:20-21) and spiritual growth for all followers of Christ (Ephesians 1:16-18; Philippians 1:9-11; Colossians 1:9-12).
We are also told to pray with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6) and at all times (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Ephesians 6:18), which leads to God’s will coming to fruition. (1 John 5:14-15) Prayers like these recognize that only what brings God glory will matter or last (1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 John 2:17). They acknowledge the unlimited power, mercy, and grace of our awesome God (Ephesians 3:20; Exodus 34:6-7). They are still vertical prayers. These are a far cry from our horizontal prayers for things like a bigger house, a better job, a raise, success, happiness, or anything else rooted in our life in this world. Those are shallow and horizontal prayers that I believe might border on being disrespectful to who God is.
When you pray, pray vertical prayers. Focus on the One to whom you are praying, reflecting on who He is and what He is doing. Orient your requests to petitions that further the Kingdom here on earth, or just marvel at His majesty. As you pray, remember that you are in the presence of the living God. (Hebrews 10:31) It’s time we all began praying with that in mind and put an end to the incessant shallow and selfish prayers we are in the habit of praying. He is our God, worthy of all glory, honor, and praise. (Revelation 4:11) Worship Him when you pray.