THE
LORD’S PRAYER
JJ Daniel, Washington
“OUR FATHER WHICH ART IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE THY
NAME;
THY KINGDOM COME, THEY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH,
AS IT IS IN HEAVEN…”
Many
people, from all walks of life can recite this prayer that is often referred to
as: “The
Lord’s Prayer”
Ø
The churched and the un-churched use this
prayer at funerals;
Ø
Wedding-tradition often makes room for these
poetic words;
Ø
Young and Old memorize it;
Ø
Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish claim this
prayer;
Ø
Believers around the world pray this daily;
Ø
Atheists have been known to quote it – on
their deathbed.
This
well known prayer is often prayed – with absolutely no idea of the power
contained in these words. (I have never figured out why this prayer is
referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer” – when it is actually how Jesus taught MAN to pray!)
In
Matthew 6:9-13 - Jesus said:
“Pray
in THIS MANNER:
Our
Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy
kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give
us this day our daily bread.
And
forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.”
There
are several really good books written about the Lord’s Prayer, that break down
the content with great understanding; And, if you’ve been in church long -
you’ve probably heard this topic taught more than once. Today I want to leave
you with just one question:
When
you pray, or sing “…Your Kingdom
come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven” – do you mean it?
Do
we REALLY WANT God’s WILL and His KINGDOM to
rule our life? Or do we really
mean… “Please do what I want Father!”
???
Are
we ready to lay down our own wants, desires and our own plans – to pick up
God’s will – and walk in His Kingdom daily?
He did lay His life down for us.
Just
a thought!
“Seek
first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness,
and
all these other things will be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33
