The Lord's Prayer - 3

THE LORD’S PRAYER ~ 3


"Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."
- Matt 6:10

For the last few years, as I pray this each night, I add ’and in my life’ after "in earth". For I truly want and need His will done in my life, in every area. I’ve come to realize that it is one thing to pray a general prayer for God’s will to be done in all the earth, and something else for me to pray that His will is done specifically, personally, in my life... just as it is one thing to believe in God who created the universe, and another thing to recognize Him, personally, as my God, and my Father.

I love the prayer of the Psalmist -
"Teach me to do Your will,
For You are my God;
Your Spirit is good.
Lead me in the land of uprightness."
- Psalm 143:10

Too often, I find myself wanting to dive right into some endeavor, or trying to make something happen, that I think would be good for me, or those I love. But it always serves me well to step back, slow down and inquire of my Father His desire. Now that which I want may very well be in line with God’s will, or it may not be, but I still must bring my ambitions, hopes and plans before Him. As Christians, we are charged to lay our lives upon the altar, and allow Almighty God to work His will in us, in His time, in His way... for His glory and purpose.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
- Rom 12:1-2


Rotherhams Emphasized Bible translates the second half of this verse as "Accomplished be Thy will...", and expounds on the definition of the Greek word γενηθητω (ginomai) which is rendered "be done" in the KJV. "More than ’done’, the word means ’accepted, obeyed, brought to pass, fulfilled.’" To me this shows the necessary relationship between what God wills, and our attitude toward, and our response to, that will.
When we pray for His will to be done, may we tell our Father that we accept His will, and will obey Him; that His will might fully come to pass in our lives. May each one of us come to sing unto the Father as did king David of old -

"I delight to do Thy will, O my God; yea, Thy law is within my heart."
- Psalm 40:8

Seeking for, listening to, obeying and trusting in God’s perfect will is a daily choice. It is not always easy, as many distractions and temptations come our way, and that is why the Word exhorts us to pray continually, and seek His face always. As we seek the Lord, and invite His Kingdom into our lives, turning away from the temporary pleasures of this world, God will reveal His will to us. And as we are obedient to Him, He gives us the strength to walk in His perfect will.

Dear friends, even our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who told His disciples "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work." (John 4:34), laid aside His will in obedience to the Father, trusting in God’s will completely. Jesus prayed in the garden as the time neared for Him to finish the work He had been sent to accomplish, "O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt." (Matt 26:39) And again, "O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done." (Matt 26:42)

Submission. Obedience. Trust. Oh what glorious results when we place it all in His hands, and say to our Father - "Thy will be done."

Amen.

Michael


And this is the confidence which we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us.
- 1 John 5:14