This week we continue our series exploring the importance of the central teaching of The Lord’s Prayer. Told primarily in Matthew 6 and Luke 11 (with a very brief and arguable allusion in Mark 11), this prayer is central to the Christian tradition and is prayed countless times each week.
Pastor Lea explored the opening verse last week (find her sermon here), and this week we follow seeking God’s kingdom on earth as it is from heaven. It may be that we don’t know quite what we’re asking for when we pray this. I assess that because I frankly question if we want all of what Jesus describes the “kingdom of heaven” to be like. The thirteenth chapter of Matthew offers parables with weeds, mustard seeds, yeast, hidden treasure, a merchant searching for pearls, or a fishing net; all of these reference the kingdom of heaven. Reading these closely and authentically may bring us pause before praying for this again. Even so, perhaps praying for—and working for—these things is worth working toward.
Matthew 6:9-10 (NLT)
9 Pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
may your name be kept holy.
10 May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Luke 22:41-42 (CEB)
41 He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed. 42 He said, “Father, if it’s your will, take this cup of suffering away from me. However, not my will but your will must be done.”
Consider these questions:
- What do you think the kingdom of heaven is like? Is this the kingdom we pray for in The Lord’s Prayer?
- What do you imagine the world would look like if God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven? Do you find this imagining hopeful? Scary? Something else?