"These [in Berea] were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." - Acts 17:11
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(9) In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
(10) Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.

New King James Version copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

In the salutation to His Model Prayer, Jesus draws immediate attention to the Father's divine nature and holiness (Matthew 6:9). His intention is to fix the petitioner's mind on the preeminence and purity of Almighty God so that the individual realizes his place within the relationship. The person who prays to the Father is a lowly supplicant seeking favor and help from the most high and holy God.

Jesus' words in Matthew 6:10 continue this theme of God's superiority. In English, “Your kingdom come” sounds like a request or desire for a future, divine government to establish righteous rule over this world. While this prophetic interpretation is a correct view—and probably the most common one—it points to far more: God's ultimate sovereignty. His rule is not limited to the future Kingdom that Jesus Christ will bring with Him at His return but is a present reality, especially for those He has called into it in this age.

When added to the traits of divinity and holiness, God's sovereignty completes a powerful triad that both humbles and assures a petitioner before His throne. He has brought his requests before One who has the right, the character, and the authority to grant them, which sparks and sustains confidence—faith—that God will decide in his favor. Every prayer reminds the child of God that he can trust his divine Sovereign to act in his best interests.

— Richard T. Ritenbaugh

To learn more, see:
The Model Prayer (Part Four): Your Kingdom Come



 

Topics:

Accepting God's Sovereignty

God's Sovereignty

Jesus Christ's Model Prayer

Trusting God

Trusting in God's Sovereignty




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