Parkwood Baptist Church

Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy name
Thy Kingdom come
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven…

“Sometime later God tested Abraham.  He said to him, ‘Abraham!’ ‘Here I am,’ he replied.  Then God said, ‘Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah.  Sacrifice him there…'” (Genesis 22:1, 2)

Whoa…whoa…whoa, wait a second.  What?  Love my neighbor…no problem.  Feed the poor…got it.  Love those who hate you…tough, but I’ll give it a shot.  I’ll even build an ark…it may take a while.  BUT, sacrifice that which I love?  Thy will be done?  Suddenly, I’m not so sure.

“Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer…” -prophesy of the Messah (Isaiah 53:10)

Is it possible that the will of God can sometimes bring testing?  Does the will of God ever involve suffering and pain?

Today let’s deal with the question about testing.  So, just a heads up, as in Abraham’s situation above, God tests us.  In other words, God brings things into our lives that stretch our faith.  Like a spiritual work out with the goal of making us stronger.  Do you trust Him?  Are you willing to go the distance?  Sometimes we have to be given opportunities to exercise our faith in order to grow as God’s children.  Faith was made to be driven!  Like a muscle in the body, if it is not used it will atrophy…it will die.  James said,

“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead…was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?  You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did..” (James 2:17, 21-22)

To pray “Thy will be done” is not just asking God to act around us but to act within us…growing us…making us more into what we were intended to be…preparing us for the things ahead.  It is knowing that we will be tested.

Today as you pray the Lord’s prayer remember that God loves you and His will is the best for you.  It may be challenging at times but He will always be there and He will always provide you all that you need to make it through any “test” (Genesis 22:13,14/First Corinthians 10:13/Philippians 4:12-13).

Don’t be afraid to take your faith out for a spin!

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” -Jesus (Luke 9:23)

“Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”

What is it Jesus is asking us to pray?  How is God’s will done in heaven?  It seems to me that God is the “Boss” of heaven and that His will is done without dispute and without delay.  Is that possible here on earth?  Many don’t even believe in God and others directly rebel against His will and ways.  So what is it Jesus is asking us to pray for?

Each of us, as believers has given Jesus the position of Lord in our lives.  To be sure we are in a constant state of growth and developement in that area, but to be a Christian is to be a “follower” of Christ.  This means that we have become part of His Kingdom and are under His authority.  Therefore, His will should be done in our lives as it is wherever He reigns…without dispute and without delay.

Perhaps this part of the prayer is a reminder as well as a request.  A reminder that we are no longer our own.  A reminder that we live to do His will which is not always in line with ours.  Jesus told His disciples in Luke that following Him meant that you must deny yourself.  You are willingly yielding to the will of God.  You are saying “not my will but yours be done” as Jesus modeled in the garden of Gethsemane.

The trouble comes when our will and God”s will collide and we are confronted with a choice.  It is not always a choice between right and wrong.  Sometimes it’s a choice between good and better or better and best.  Jesus told us,

“No one can serve two masters.” (Matthew 6:24)

How hard is it for God to accomplish His will in your life.  Some of us are like rebellious teenagers who kick and scream all the way to a blessing.  To pray “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” is to pray that God’s will would be done in you today without dispute and without delay.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.  Thy Kingdom come.  Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.  As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts…” (Isaiah 55:8, 9)

What is the will of God?  What is it that God wants?

Seeking someone’s will about something is a search for what they would desire.  It is a matter of a person’s preference in a situation or the outcome of an issue.  It is asking, “If it was up to you what would you like to see happen?”  This can sometimes be difficult to figure out.  We may ask a friend,

“What would you like to do?”                                      “I don’t care”

“Really…what do you want to do?”                             “I don’t care”

“Look, I’m not a mind reader, what do you want to do?”

Ok, we all laugh, but if it is this hard to find out the will of a friend, how much more difficult to find the will of God?  The Scripture above gives us very little encouragement.  The truth of the matter is…It can be even more frustrating to try to find out God’s will about anything.  That’s why we should notice that in this part of the Lord’s prayer Jesus is not instructing the disciples to pray to know God’s will but that His will would be done…whatever it is.  This prayer is a request that comes from a heart of submission.  It is a prayer for whatever God desires.  It is a confession that acknowledges that what God wants trumps what we want.  It is a prayer of faith…a prayer of trust in “Our Father” who we love and long to see revealed in our lives.  It is a prayer that recognizes the truth of the verses above and prays accordingly:

“Father, your ways are so much higher than mine and your thoughts are far above me.  You know what needs to happen more than anyone.  You know the master plan.  Therefore, Thy will be done.”

Today, as you pray the Lord’s prayer, are you prepared for whatever God wants to do?  Do you trust God enough to pray for His will to be done?  Not your will…His.  Not your ways…His.

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.  Thy Kingdom come.  Thy will be done…”

What about on Mondays?

When we pray for God’s Kingdom to be revealed in the world around us do we include the week days?  It is easy…maybe even natural to pray that God’s Kingdom would come when we are at church.  After all, God’s Kingdom fits well into our dedicated buildings and our well planned worship services.  But, do we really want God’s Kingdom to come into our work space during the regular business hours? Do we want God’s Kingdom to come into our everyday lives at school or work?  How about our neighborhoods…our homes?  Thy Kingdom come?  Maybe we should pray…

“Thy Kingdom come into the space that we have reserved for religious activities”

“Thy Kingdom come as long as it doesn’t disrupt my schedule”.

The truth is that many of us worship a weekend God…a God of our spare time.  When it comes to the regular routine God is more of an intrusion than an invited guest.

The last two days of our meditation on this part of the prayer has focused on the reality that there is another kingdom.  One that is eternal and one where we have a place as citizens.  But this phrase of the Lord’s prayer asks something of God.  It is asking God to come…come into our space…come and make our business HIS business.  It is a special request for God’s Kingdom to reveal itself in us.

Today, as we pray the Lord’s prayer, lets think about swinging the door wide open for “Our Father”.  Let’s pray that His Kingdom would not only come , but that it would come in us…that He would make His way into every facet of our life.  Are you willing to pray that?  Are you willing to pray for that on a weekday?  “Thy Kingdom come today and every day this week”.  What will you do to make Him a 24/7 God?

“Thy Kingdom come!”

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.” (Mark 1:35)

In any activity there needs to be a time when you step back and take a breath.  You can imagine that for Jesus those times were few and far between.  He had a lot going on.  The Scripture tells us that once Jesus and His disciples were not able to eat a meal because of the constant demand.  But as busy as we can be, there is always a need to step back and take a deep breath.  This is part of the purpose of Sabbath.  Jesus knew how important it was to have a little “Jesus” time.  It was time for fellowship with His Father.

This time was so important that Jesus did what was necessary to make sure it could happen.  He got up early…really early.  Now, I don’t know about you but that is not how “time off” usually starts.  Many would stay in bed…sleep in…can I get an amen?  Jesus, not only got up, He got dressed and went some place!

Once again we are reminded that Sabbath is not about being extra lazy or just doing nothing.  It is about taking time to pause before “Our Father” and enjoy His presence…a little “Jesus” time for ourselves.   Many times in our busy lives in the Washington Metropolitan area this kind of rest takes some effort.  What are you doing to make time for Sabbath in your life.  Warning it may mean getting up early!

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.  Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.  For Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen

“…many live as enemies of the cross…but our citizenship is in heaven.” (Philippians 3:18,20)

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household…” (Ephesians 2:19)

Everyone has a desire deep within to belong.  People may loudly proclaim their indepedance and self-sufficiency but we all have a need to be a part of something bigger.   The pursuit to satisfy this need, at its worse, as shown itself in the growth of gangs and a “mob” mentality.   I believe that this desire within us is something God created and placed into the fabric of who we are as His beloved.  When we are reconciled to Him we are simultaneously brought into His Kingdom.  We go from being “aliens” to being “citizens” of  God”s country.  We are not only “born again” but we are “brought in” and are sworn in officially as God’s people.  We are no longer foreigners to heaven!

However, this also means that we become foreigners to the kingdom of this world.  Suddenly we are uncomfortable and unfulfilled with the empty pursuits of this world.   We have become aware of a Kingdom…a family that is filled with meaning and purpose.   We have gone from seeing the world in black and white to seeing it in 3D living color!   It is both exciting and sad as we watch those who only know of the temporary world and live day to day without hope.   And so, as our hearts break, we cry out…

“Thy Kingdom come”

It is a part of the Lord’s prayer  that asks God to reveal Himself through us to those around us.  We may pray…

“That others may see you as I have seen you.   That they may become aware of another Kingdom.  One that is not of this world.  One of hope and meaning.  One where they might find belonging.”

Today, as you pray the Lord’s prayer think of others who are unaware of this invitation to belong to something bigger…something better.  Pray that God’s Kingdom would come!  Not just for your continued blessing, but for the benefit of others in darkness.   You and I are truly “ambassadors” of the Kingdm of God!  Ours is a citizenship worth sharing.

“Thy Kingdom come”

Our Father
who art in heaven
hallowed be Thy name.

“Thy Kingdom come”

The Bible tells us that there are two kingdoms that exist.  The first is the kingdom of this world.   It is the one that we read about in the paper every morning.  It is the one that fights about power, money, borders and distinctions.  This is the kingdom that is made up of what we can see.  There is happiness, sadness, disease, violence, pleasure, ups and downs, etc.   It is constantly changing depending on who is in power or who has the most resources…etc.  The Scripture says this is a temporary…fleeting kingdom where “moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19).

The other kingdom is the Kingdom of God.  This Kingdom is a spiritual kingdom that is eternal.  In the Bible it is described as a Kingdom where God, the Creator, reigns as Sovereign Lord.  It is a Kingdom where all of creation can experience fellowship as it was intended.  It is a kingdom that sees all the world, physical and spiritual,  from God’s perspective.  In this Kingdom all things find purpose and meaning.   It is a kingdom where we can experience genuine love and relationship with God and others.  It is not limited by what we see, but extends beyond anything that we can fathom.  In fact, the power of this Kingdom reigns supreme in both kingdoms and when we are reconciled in our relationship to “Our Father” this Kingdom “comes” in us.

You see, we are not talking about a Kingdom in a land far far away, we are talking about a Kingdom that is here.  We are talking about something that we can experience right now.  Wherever God reigns…His Kingdom comes!

Therefore, when we pray this phrase of the Lord’s prayer we are asking for God’s Kingdom to come in us as His people.  The Bible tells us that we can be ambassadors of that Kingdom.  We can be partners with God…instruments in His hands to bring HIS Kingdom to light in this world.

At one time we all only knew of the one kingdom.  The one that we can see…the one that is here today and gone tomorrow.  But now, we have seen more and it is our responsibility…privilege…to share this good news with others who only know of the one.

Today, as you pray the Lord’s prayer pause on that phrase…”Thy Kingdom come”….and make it personal.

O God, may Thy Kingdom come today in me.

“Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

“And whatever you do, whether in word and deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17)

When Jesus asks us to pray “hallowed be Thy name”, which name is He referring to?  There are many names for God in the Scriptures.  Many of those names come from how God was encountered or how He responded in a certain situation.  Hagar called Him “The God Who Sees”.  The people in Exodus called Him “Deliverer”.  David called Him “The Good Shepherd”.  “Prince of Peace”.  “The God Who Provides”.  “God Almighty”.  And, of course, the most common in the Old Testament…”Yahweh” (YVHV).

Most Christians today use the name Jesus when praying.  He is the ultimate revelation of God and as we have read in the Scriptures above, it is in His name that we find salvation and it is in that name that we do all things.  So, which name are we praying to be lifted up or “hallowed”?  The simple answer is…all of the above.

The fact of the matter is that our God cannot be contained in any one word or name.  It is the meaning that comes with the name that is important.  It is what the name is pointing to.  In your walk with the Lord you probably called out to Him with many different names.  Savior… Comforter…Protector…Teacher…Friend…Great Physician…Father.

All of these names can come to our mind as we pray “hallowed be Thy name”.  This part of the Lord’s prayer can become a time of celebrating the many names of our God that reveal so many different facets of His amazing grace!

Today, as you pray through the Lord’s prayer, take a little extra time at “hallowed be Thy name” and see how many names you can speak or write in just a few minutes.  Allow your thoughts to focus on Him and who He is and what He means to you.

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.” (Psalm 103:1)

What’s in a name?  In the Bible names were very important.  The name of God was considered so holy that the priests were forbidden to say it out loud.  The Scribes used special notations in the scrolls to alert the reader to speak an alternative name.  This kind of reverence for the name of God was practiced because the name  carried with it the character and the authority of the Almighty.

God told Moses not to “take the name” of the Lord in “vain”.  This is not a commandment about speaking the name alone.  This is a commandment about honoring the Name of God.   The Hebew word for “take” literally means to “bear” or to “put on”.   So, a violation of the commandment is to wear  the Name of God in a way that dishonors His name.  Even in our culture we talk about making a “good name” for ourselves or “clearing our name”.  Often, we will tell a friend to “use our name” when making a recommendation because we know that our name may give them an advantage.  So…we  know that a name is more than a label.  It can be packed with meaning and influence…good or bad.

Therefore, our prayer is for God’s name to be lifted up in our lives.  We are a people who bear His name and, therefore, our behavior, words and attitudes reflect directly on Him.  To pray for God’s name to be hallowed in this world begins with His name being glorified in our life.   So, our prayer may be,

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name in me that I may I bear your name in a way that brings you glory.”

David said, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)

As you pray through the Lord’s prayer today ask for God to reveal to you how you can honor His name.   As a follower of Christ allow the Holy Spirit to convict you of the things in your life that may give a bad impression of the God whose name you bear.  Confess them to God and commit to being a testimony of His mercy and grace throughout your day!

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.

As we begin this week of our walk through the Lord’s prayer, lets be reminded that Jesus tells us to start with “Our Father who art in heaven” which brings us into God’s presence as His children but also with reverence as we recognize Him as our Lord and King.  It is the perfect balance of personal privilege and humble respect.  Take a moment right now to sit quietly before your heavenly Father who is also your King.  Worship Him for a few minutes.

“Our Father who art in heaven”

Once we have approached the throne of grace with the proper attitude Jesus guides us to the next phrase of our prayer…”hallowed be Thy name”.   It is only natural to lift up the name of God when you are in His presence.  It is also Jesus helping us learn what our priorities in prayer should be.  We exist to bring glory to God…to lift up His holy name.  This request sets the stage for everything else we pray about.  No matter what we ask for or what the answers might be our greatest desire should be that God would be honored.  The word “hallowed” means holy or honored.

More than anything else that you want or need in your life today do you want Name to be lifted up?  Do you want God to be glorified?  The scriptures frequently talk about the importance of God’s Name and honoring that Name.   Here are a few verses for your meditation,

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of Yahweh our God” (Psalm 20:7)

“Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due His name; worship Yahweh in the splendor of His holiness.” (Psalm 29:2)

“Glorify Yahweh with me; let us exalt His name together” (Psalm 34:3)

Even the motivation for God to help us should be for the glory of His holy Name, “Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake.” (Psalm 79:9).  It is when His name is lifted up…”hallowed”…in our lives that people are drawn to Him.

Today, as you pray the Lord’s prayer, focus on the mighty Name of God.  Proverbs tells us, “The name of Yahweh is a Strong Tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10).  Be safe today.  Take refuge in your God.  It is the beginning of glorifying His Great Name!