Lord's Prayer | Matthew 6:5-13 | TJ Torgerson
This week we are taking a break from the normal lectionary cycle in order to share some thoughts on the Lord's , at least a section of the Lords Prayer.
"your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Matthew 6.10
During a day spent visiting several homeless encampments in my city, I was confronted with a harsh reality. As we distributed food and water to those in need, I found myself immersed in a scene that was both heartbreaking and eye-opening. Needles lay scattered on the ground, people openly engaged in drug-related activities, and who knows what else. It was a sobering experience, a raw and unfiltered glimpse into a world of brokenness and exploitation of others. This experience was a reminder to me of the devastating effects of sin. When I left there that day I knew 2 things; first that these people needed help and second I did not have the capacity to truly help them. I mean help them in a long term, life changing sustainable way. I wasn't even sure what the first step would be.
We are surrounded by big problems, and problems outside of our control. Maybe it is the national housing crisis, or the rise of drug addiction. Or perhaps it is something that will never make the national news but it is big to you. It is the failing health of a loved one. The rebellion of our children. A tension in our marriage. A conflict at work. Challenges that are affecting your life in which you only have limited control.
These are the times when we feel the urge to pray the most. When life gets tough and we're unsure of what to do, we turn to prayer. But often, in these moments, we're unsure of how to pray. What are the right words? What should we ask for? Will it even make a difference? It is in these moments when we hear the words, "your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." come to mind.
But what do we mean by these words? More importantly what do we suppose Jesus intended when he instructed his disciples to pray in that way? There are 3 things we can mean when we pray that "God's will be done."
A Prayer of Release
As I look back on my 41 years, I've faced many big, life-altering situations that were often beyond my control. In those tough times, the best I could do was turn to God and pray, "your will be done." When I consider issues like suicide rates, drug addiction, and the devastation in homeless encampments, or when I think about the health crises members of my congregation are facing, or my kids adjusting to a new place with new friends and a new school, I pray, "your will be done."
In those moments, the heart of that prayer is surrender, saying, "God, I release this situation into your hands. I let go of control, I trust you. I believe that if anyone can bring good out of this, it's you. If anyone can redeem this, it's you. I relinquish my desire to determine the outcome. I trust you."
The essence of the prayer is the famous proverb:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
A Prayer of Responsibility
However, surrendering the situation to God is not the only aspect of understanding the prayer, "your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." In our faith, there's a fundamental belief that part of the responsibility to enact God's will on earth as it is in heaven rests with followers of Christ. We are the ambassadors, the hands and feet, the body of Christ in the world.
This is where this prayer becomes more interesting because praying "God's will be done" as a call to personal responsibility seems to contradict praying it as a way to release the situation to God. In one instance, we are rolling up our sleeves and getting to work, and in the other we are saying God you gotta do it!.
To pray, "God's will be done." is to pray, "God I'm releasing this situation into your hands, but if there is a piece that will fit into my hands then I take responsibility for it. When we pray prayers like that God will lead us to very difficult places. Places beyond our comfort or ability that is when the next piece fits in.
A Prayer of Resolve
The most famous instance of this prayer, "God's will be done," being uttered was in the garden of Gethsemane. It was a somber Thursday night. Jesus found himself in the garden, deep in prayer. He had asked his disciples to pray with him, but they fell asleep.
Within the next 24 hours, Jesus would face arrest, torture, and crucifixion. His closest companions would desert him; one would even deny knowing him, while another would betray him. Knowing what was to come Jesus uttered the words found in Luke 22:42. "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."
"God, I know what's coming, and honestly, I'm not excited about it. If you can find another way, I'd really like that. But even so, I trust you. Your will be done."
When Jesus prayed for God's will to be done, the prayer of releasing the situation to God and the prayer of taking personal responsibility merged into a prayer of resolve. It was a declaration that said, "God, no matter what it takes, I will obey."
As we pray for God's will to be done in our community as it is in heaven, I believe God will lead us into situations where we must step out in faith. He will guide us to opportunities and circumstances that we may not be quite sure we want to pursue, but we are certain we need to. And so, we pray, "God, your will be done." First, as a statement of resolve, affirming that we will take a step of faith. Second, as a declaration of responsibility, acknowledging our duty as His followers. And last, as a statement of release, entrusting the outcome and timeline to God. These moments of faith will look different for us all.
Volunteering in a way you never thought possible
Giving in a way that stretches your faith
Asking for forgiveness from someone you wronged
Getting back to church and getting back to a small group
Praying before your meal at school
Inviting a friend to church or a bible study.
"your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Matthew 6.10
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