Near and far

Monday 20^th May

Read Matthew 6:9-13

“This, then, is how you should pray:

‘“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
¹⁰ your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
¹¹ Give us today our daily bread.
¹² And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
¹³ And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from the evil one.” (NIVUK)

There is a seriousness around how we approach God that should be acknowledged at the very beginning. We are invited to approach God personally and intimately, yet at the very same time recognise His holiness and uniqueness.

Isaiah captures the tension perfectly: ‘For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.” (Isaiah 57:15) (NIV). Transcendent and immanent. Far and near.

The prayer invites us to approach with invited humility. The same principle applies to our praise and worship. Some of the great old hymns captured it beautifully.

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.

Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
all praise we would render, O help us to see
’tis only the splendour of light hideth thee. (Walter Smith (1867))

Such balance between approaching God with the familiarity of children with their parents, and recognition that God is indeed holy beyond comprehension, needs to be considered daily.

Perhaps even three times a day?