Read: Isaiah 6:1-7
Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts. (v. 3)
I am privileged to pray with myriads of people around the world. I’ve noticed that people often begin prayers in a similar way each time. One friend of mine, Dr. Bill “Ruggles” Church, begins almost every prayer with “Holy God . . .” It may be from the acronym A.C.T.S. he learned decades ago. It structures prayer in the order of adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. Addressing him as “Holy God” prompts my friend to begin his prayers with awe.
This is exactly how choirs of angels and heavenly beings begin their prayers. In Isaiah’s vision, they call out “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts” (v. 3). In Revelation 4:8, heavenly living creatures never stop saying, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty.” When we begin our prayers like this, we acknowledge that God alone is holy. Doing so helps us meditate on the glory Isaiah saw that day in the temple and we will one day see forever and ever.
Seeing that glory now causes Isaiah to cry out, “Woe is me! For I am lost” (v. 5). Adoration leads to confession. We are unworthy to be in the presence of such holiness. An angel brings a coal to take away Isaiah’s sin (v. 7). When we acknowledge our sin, we likewise are forgiven. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). May the vision of God’s holiness lead us to the grace of God in Jesus.
As you pray, begin today with “Holy God . . .”
About the Author
Rev. Jon Opgenorth serves as president of Words of Hope. Previously, he served for 18 years as senior pastor at Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City, Iowa. In preparation for ministry, he received a BA in Religion from Northwestern College, and an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary.
