Just as we worship Christ, so also we pray to Him as Lord. There are two striking examples of this principle recorded in the Scriptures. When Stephen was martyred by the infuriated Jews, it is said, “And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit’” (Acts 7:59). Paul, too, speaking of the thorn in the flesh, says, “Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness’” (2 Cor. 12:8–9).

These instances afford most important instruction as to the way Christ is to be addressed in prayer. It is as Lord—not as “Jesus” or “Christ,” as is sometimes unhappily heard. A moment’s consideration will show us the fitness of this. To use the appellation—His name—of Jesus, or the term Christ, when bowing before Him, is surely to forget our place as suppliants, as well as His place as Lord. It savors of familiarity, even if not of irreverence, though it is freely admitted that it may be done without the slightest feeling of the kind. Be this as it may, we should never forget His exaltation and dignity when approaching Him in supplication. The spiritual instincts of the child of God will suffice to teach him that, at such a time, the title of Lord should never be omitted. It becomes Him to receive, and us to render it; marking, in some humble measure at least, our sense of His claims, and also, indeed, of our place in His presence.

Let us, then, be ever careful to remember what is due to the One before whom we bow, and from whom we seek grace and blessing.