Darrell W. Johnson, in his book Fifty Seven Words that Change the World, says this section of the Lord's Prayer, "is one of, if not the most radical things a human being can do."
When Jesus taught His disciples to pray this, they were starving for revolution. Rome ruled and did so with deadly force. The spiritual climate of the day was lukewarm. People felt the very real need for political change, as well as religious freedom and revival. Sounds much like the world we live in now, doesn't it? On the surface, these words sound like a prayer for temporal, or earthly, relief. In some ways, that's true.
To pray God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven is to pray that His perfect will be done. We often don't realize all that encompasses. And we fail to recognize the upheaval that must take place to bring His will and His kingdom on earth - both in our personal lives and in world events. Think about the change you must make in your daily life to give in completely and live God's perfect will.
A little uncomfortable? Radical? Does it take a truckload of trust to obey God's perfect will? It does for me.
When we pray for His kingdom to come, we must recognize that it is partially here in the form of believers in Christ. The Holy Spirit ushers in His kingdom, and when we accept the Holy Spirit into our lives WE usher in the kingdom. Jesus' return is still to come, so we pray, "Your kingdom come." We're asking Jesus to come back! Even so, Lord Jesus, come.
We'll be finishing up the Lord's Prayer in the next few posts. Don't forget this month's challenge to pray daily, and don't forget to use your prayer journal! We'll talk about that in a few days, too.
Lord Jesus, we pray for your kingdom to be evident in us as we interact with the world. We ask that You would shine through us so everyone would know Your love and grace. Please help us live Your will, Father God. On earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus' holy Name we pray, Amen.
Blessings on you today,
Shelley
A very thought-provoking post. Especially the part about upheaval in our lives and world events to bring His will into the world.
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