Last look at “Father”, “Hallowed”, “Kingdom” Trio.

October 26, 2020

Scripture

Jesus said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.” (Luke 11:2-4 ESV)

Last look at “Father”, “Hallowed”, “Kingdom” Trio.

What are you looking for? What do you want me to do for you? These are questions Jesus asked groups and individuals on many occasions as he walked among the crowds and sat at countless meal tables.

When his disciples asked for prayer instructions, he said say “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come”. Simple, profound and it shapes our answer for what we are asking of our loving and compassionate God. What we are asking for expresses what is most important to us individually and as groups.

Jesus said “Your kingdom come” should be our focus in praying. I’ve been as guilty as the gazillions of others I’ve been with, whose prayer requests are about my finances, health, career, conflicts and fears – or those of close family and friends. There maybe something kingdom about all that but it is really self-focused, verging on narcissism.

His other ingredients are daily bread, forgiveness and keeping faithful to God – and it’s bread for all, forgiveness for all, and our own forgiving of all that keeps us on the faithful track. These are dark and difficult times for us all but keeping God’s “kingdom” of love, justice and mercy at our heart and prayers is a healthy way to live.

A Prayer for Today

Father. For me to honour your name and share it means I need to have your priorities and perspective on life. You kindly give us so much and yet we often squander the opportunity to be open and generous with one another. As the daylight gets shorter help me to live with your inner light of hope, courage and perseverance that I may love mercy and justice …. for Jesus’ sake