THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 6:9-15
“Your kingdom come… on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)
This line captures the intent of the whole prayer, of all prayer.
“In heaven” does not refer to a place, but to God’s presence, to God Himself.
In God’s presence, His Name is honoured, His will is done, His kingdom is come.
In God’s presence, daily bread is provided, sins are forgiven, and people rescued from evil.
Our problem ‘down here’ is that we have separated ourselves from God.
And the result is brokenness, immorality, misery, grief, violence, death.
Our world has ceased to be God’s kingdom – not because God is no longer in charge.
It is because we no longer acknowledge God, we no longer welcome His rule in our hearts.
The kingdom of God is this world under the authority of God-like humans.
By this prayer, we are willingly asking God to be first in our hearts.
We want everything on earth to be just as it was meant to be.
By praying this, we are committing to making it so in our lives.
I want everything in my life to be just as it was meant to be.
This is not a passive prayer – “God You do it!” – but an active prayer – “May it be so in me!”
Prayer is not a means of getting what we want – that would be about our kingdom.
Prayer is a means for getting what God wants – His dream, His best, His kingdom.
When I pray, what am I praying for… for my kingdom, or for His?
Reflect on how you prayed yesterday, if you prayed; what do your prayers say about your hearts’ desire?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, may Your kingdom become real in me, as I live each day with You in this world.