Pray This First: Discovering the True Meaning of Singing about God's Glory

Pray This First

Discovering the True Meaning of Singing about God's Glory

Growing up in a Christian home and attending a faithful church, I was immersed in songs that exalted God's glory. However, as I reflect on those moments, I wonder if I truly understood the depth of what I was singing.

Within the walls of our church, we enthusiastically belted out major chords, proclaiming, "To God be the glory, great things he has done." We also sang more intimate prayers like, "Father, we love you, we worship and adore you. Glorify thy name in all the earth." These lyrics held immense value, but I question whether they merely became religious slogans devoid of true understanding.

Being raised in a Christian environment is an incredible blessing, but it also presents challenges. One such challenge is how familiar phrases like "the glory of God" can lose their significance and become empty words to an immature mind. Yet, throughout history, countless believers have marveled at and embraced such language with wonder and delight.

It wasn't until I reached the age of 20 that God opened my eyes to a new understanding of His glory. It was a revelation that went beyond mere words and touched the depths of my heart. This revelation transformed my prayers and my worship.

Embracing the True Glory of God

So, what does it mean to truly understand and embrace the glory of God? It starts with recognizing that God's glory is not just an abstract concept or a distant attribute. The glory of God is the radiant display of His character, majesty, and power. It is the manifestation of His goodness, holiness, and love.

When we sing about God's glory, we are proclaiming His greatness, His worthiness of praise, and His supremacy over all creation. It is an invitation to enter into the awe-inspiring presence of the Almighty.

The Bible is filled with references to God's glory, providing us with a deeper understanding of this divine attribute. In Exodus 33:18-19, Moses pleads with God, saying, "Please show me your glory." In response, God reveals His glory by proclaiming His name, His character. In Exodus 34:6-7, God says, "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness." This revelation of God's glory leaves Moses in awe, as it should leave us in awe as well.

David, in the Psalms, often sings of God's glory. In Psalm 19:1, he declares, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." David recognized that creation itself reflects God's glory, testifying to His power and creativity.

Jesus, the Son of God, is the ultimate display of God's glory. In John 1:14, it says, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." Through Jesus, we see the perfect embodiment of God's glory, as He reveals the Father's love and mercy through His life, death, and resurrection.

The Transformative Power of God's Glory

Understanding the true meaning of God's glory is not just a theological exercise; it has practical implications for our lives. When we grasp the significance of God's glory, it changes how we approach prayer and worship.

Prayer becomes more than a checklist of requests and desires. It becomes an opportunity to align our hearts with God's glory, to seek His will above our own. As we pray, we acknowledge His sovereignty, His wisdom, and His love. We recognize that our purpose is to bring glory to Him in all that we do.

Worship also takes on new meaning when we understand God's glory. It becomes a response to His greatness and a celebration of His character. We lift our voices and our hearts in praise, not out of obligation, but out of a deep desire to honor and glorify the One who is worthy of all adoration.

Ultimately, embracing God's glory transforms our entire lives. It shapes our choices, our relationships, and our priorities. We no longer live for our own glory or the praise of others, but for the glory of God alone.

Praying for a Revelation of God's Glory

If you find yourself longing for a deeper understanding of God's glory, you are not alone. The desire to behold His glory is a holy and God-given longing. Just as Moses cried out, "Please show me your glory," we too can humbly approach God and ask Him to reveal Himself to us in a new and profound way.

As you pray, consider the words of the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:6, "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." Paul reminds us that it is through Jesus that we encounter the fullness of God's glory.

Ask God to open your eyes to see His glory in the beauty of creation, in the pages of Scripture, and in the lives of those around you. Pray that He would reveal His glory through His Spirit, transforming your heart and mind to reflect His character.

Finally, commit to living a life that brings glory to God. Let your thoughts, words, and actions be a testament to His greatness and love. Seek to align your will with His and to serve others in a way that brings honor to His name.

So, let us not merely sing about God's glory without truly understanding its significance. Let us pray for a revelation of His glory and live lives that reflect His magnificence. May our worship be filled with awe and wonder as we exalt the One who is worthy of all praise. To God be the glory, both now and forevermore.