How to Start Prayer the Right Way (Our Father in Heaven) Our Father in Heaven: How Relationship and Reverence Transform Prayer

(Prayer Taught, Power Caught – Week 2)

Introduction: Why the Beginning of Prayer Matters

Last week, we learned that the Lord’s Prayer is not a formula to be repeated, but a framework to be built upon. This week, we’re going deeper into the very first line:

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.” (Matthew 6:9, NASB)

In just these few words, Jesus gives us a powerful blueprint: begin prayer with relationship and reverence.

But what does that really mean? Let’s look through the lenses of three trusted teachers — Kenneth Hagin, John Bevere, and Myles Munroe — and see how this transforms the way we pray.

1. Kenneth Hagin: Only the Born Again Can Say “Father”

Kenneth Hagin reminds us that “Father” is not for everyone. Yes, God is the Creator of all, but He is only the Father of those who are born again.

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)

Jesus told the Pharisees, “You are of your father the devil.” (John 8:44)

👉 To the world, He is God. To the believer, through Christ, He is Father.

This changes everything: when you pray, you’re not approaching a distant deity, you’re coming to your Father — the One who knows you, loves you, and welcomes you.

2. Myles Munroe: “Our Father” Means It’s Not Just About Me

Myles Munroe emphasizes that Jesus didn’t say “My Father” but “Our Father.”

This means:

Prayer is never selfish.

God asks us, “Where is everyone else? Where is your concern for others?”

From the very first word, prayer calls us to intercede for family, church, city, and nation.

And Munroe also teaches that Father means Source. Every answer flows from Him. Whatever your problem, He is the Source who sustains and provides.

So when you pray “Our Father,” you are declaring: “You are my Source, and You are our Source.”

3. John Bevere: To Hallow His Name Is to Approach with Awe

Jesus continues: “Hallowed be Your name.” To hallow means to honor, to set apart, to revere.

John Bevere points us to Hebrews 12:28–29:

“Since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.”

Reverence and godly fear are not the same:

Reverence = profound, adoring respect.

Godly fear = holy awe, a trembling awareness of His greatness.

👉 To hallow God’s name is to hold Him in both reverence and awe.

To love what He loves, hate what He hates.

To walk in humility and integrity.

To exalt His holiness with your words and your life.

4. Worship Before Requests

Prayer doesn’t begin with “Give us this day.” It begins with worship.

To hallow His name is to honor His attributes: His love, faithfulness, integrity, and grace.

You magnify, exalt, and glorify Him before you ever ask for anything.

Worship continues not only in prayer, but in how you live and interact with others.

David modeled this in prayer:

“The LORD, Maker of heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them.” (Psalm 146:6)

“Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea.” (Acts 4:24)

“Worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.” (Revelation 14:7)

Putting It All Together

So how do we start prayer the right way?

Hagin: Recognize that only the born again can say “Father.”

Munroe: Pray “Our Father” — include others, not just yourself.

Munroe: See God as your Source.

Bevere: Hallow His name with reverence and awe.

All together: Begin with worship before requests.

Sample Prayer Starter

“Father, You are holy. You are my Source and our Source. You are the Maker of heaven and earth, the seas, the sun and the moon. I stand in awe of You. I love what You love and I hate what You hate. Holy is Your name. Be magnified, be glorified, be exalted.”