When we meet with God in prayer, it’s tempting to start with the need: the deadlines, the software, the client situation, the pipeline, the decision that can’t wait.
But there is a better first step: we begin with honor—giving God praise for who He has revealed Himself to be in His Word, and for the faithfulness we’ve seen firsthand.
We’ve watched Him provide what we lacked, give wisdom and clarity to lead us forward, and steady us when the stress started to climb.
Beginning with honor reminds us that the biggest reality is not the urgency in front of us, but the God who is present over it. As we praise and honor Him, our hearts quiet down enough to hear, and our priorities begin to align with His.
That’s why heaven’s worship is such a reliable pattern for us: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power . . .” (Revelation 4:11)
Why We Start Here
Honor reorders the room. It reminds us that prayer isn’t a request list—it’s an audience with the living God. Before we ask for wisdom, we worship the One who is wise. Before we bring burdens, we remember His faithfulness, seen most clearly in Christ.
That does something to us. Praise steadies the heart. It quiets urgency. It lifts our eyes above the pressure so we can see the Lord who rules over it. And it restores a simple truth we can forget in a busy week: this work ultimately belongs to Him, and the people we serve matter to Him.
Honor Leads to Better Intercession
When we start with petition, we can stay confined to our own perspective: Fix this problem. Lift this pressure. Open this door. Protect this investment partner. Give us wisdom for this decision. Those are real prayers—but they can become reactive, shaped more by pace than by the Lord.
Honor opens the door for God to lead the agenda. As we connect with His heart, our intercessory priorities clarify. We begin to pray not only for “help,” but for what God wants to form in us and accomplish through us.
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)
As we delight in Him, He reshapes what we want, so our prayers become less reactive and more aligned with His heart. The Lord will lead us to pray about what He wants before we fully form our petitions and intercessions.
What This Looks Like at Work
Before a meeting or decision,
- Rest for a moment in God’s presence before you speak, decide, or move on something.
- Name three true things about God that meet this situation (wise, faithful, near, sovereign).
- Honor him by affirming these truths (aloud if you can).
- Ask, “Lord, what is on Your heart here?”
- Then pray—and move forward in obedience.
A simple rule: we don’t want prayer to be the garnish on our work; we want prayer to lead our work—clients, counsel, tax work, compliance, investments, risk, and the culture we’re building together.
A Prayer that Begins with Honor
God, You are holy, wise, and faithful. You have led us, provided for us, and guarded us. We honor You first. Align our hearts with Yours and show us what to pray today. Give us wisdom for real decisions, unity as a team, and grace to obey what You show us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Related post: The Power of Honor, by Mike Chrasta
