October 30, 2023
Melissa Valerio
When I first became a Christian in high school, I had no idea how to pray. No one was around to teach me, so I sort of winged it. I found the “Lord’s Prayer” and recited that prayer every night for the next year. I knew this prayer felt right, but I didn’t really understand what I was saying.
Now, many years later, I understand this is a model of prayer, not necessarily a word-for-word prayer that we must pray. It gives us a picture of what is appropriate to pray for and an idea of what’s important to God. First and foremost, His name should be reverenced. He is holy, and we ought to recognize that fact when we are speaking to Him. But my favorite part is what follows next, asking for His will to be done and His Kingdom to come. And what is God’s Kingdom? The Kingdom of God is God’s rule and reign not only within our own individual lives but throughout the entire world. And the most exciting part is that God is looking for people who are willing to participate in growing His kingdom. He is seeking a people who want to partner with Him to bring restoration and healing to the world. He wants to restore what was broken in the Garden of Eden, fellowship with Him and holy order in the world. Brokenness caused by the sin in our souls, our lives, our homes, our neighborhoods, our cities and our countries. His Kingdom on Earth means His will and His desires to be done throughout the land. Because of free will, this world has become a mess. We’ve chosen evil instead of good, bringing pain, destruction, division, trauma, you name it. We’ve been the victim and we’ve been the perpetrator. Understanding that we have all been a participant in destroying God’s original creation, we now have the opportunity to partner with Him in restoring it. By praying for God’s Kingdom to come, we are praying for God’s redemption for all of history past and all of eternity forward. This very redemption was accomplished on the cross. God brought life to a dying world through the blood of Jesus. The Redeemer who makes all things new.
Prayer: Lord in Heaven, may Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done in all areas of our lives. We know that sometimes our will and Your will do not align. Change our hearts and minds to be like Yours. Give us Your desires and empower us to do Your will. Help us to do our part in bringing Your Kingdome here. In your Son’s majestic name, Amen.
Action: It starts with us. If you haven’t done so yet, invite the kingdom of God into your own heart. Until we get the Lord’s heart, mind, thoughts, and desires, we will only be living for ourselves. We won’t truly desire God’s will, but our own. Ask that His will be implanted in you.
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