Thy KINGDOM Come Thy WILL Be Done
"Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done - What are we really asking for?
A lot of times as adults, and even as children growing up, we have been taught to recite "The Lord's Prayer" as recorded in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4 and for many people that is all to it. A recital, called the Lord's prayer. As with many other things that have become traditional in faith, not much thought is given to it and it looses it's meaning and original purpose.
When Jesus led the disciples out in this prayer, it was in response to their request in Luke 11; "Teach us how to pray". Then Jesus responded, "when you pray, pray like this". If you give thought to it, you will realize it was not meant for a recital. "Pray like this" it means, let me give you an example, or rather build on this, use this template as you relate you father in heaven.
There is a lot that we can unpack in that whole example that Jesus gave. But for the purpose of this blog. I want to draw your attention to Matthew 6:10 where he says, "thy kingdom Come, thy will be done on earth as it is done heaven".
What does this mean? What are we asking God for when we say "thy kingdom come and thy will be done"? It is a heavy statement; a serious prayer that should not be uttered lightly. For few reasons.
1. It is a prayer of surrender - to the authority of God. We are really asking to God establish his rule and reign in our lives; his kingdom, command and kingship as is in heaven. But the question is, how are surrendered are we to his authority? How do we respond to the truths of his word and the promptings and convictions of the Holy Spirit? I pray that we will be truly surrendered to God.
2. It is a prayer of purpose - "Let your will be done", is asking God the father to help you to be a man or woman of purpose. Like Jesus prayed in Luke 22:42, "not my will but yours be done". You may have wanted it some other way, but God as allowed somethings in the process and it is for us to stick with God and know how to hold on to his promises toward you.
3. It is a Prayer of alignment - it leads you to a place where you should be able to examine your life in parallels with the word of God and pray for the grace to be aligned in words, thoughts and deed.
I desire that next time you have a chance to say "The Lord's Prayer' That you take time to examine your words and meditate on the meaning of every line in that prayer. May it change you life forever in Jesus Name.