Post 232. The Lord’s Prayer Is Full Of Power
The Lord’s Prayer is full of power because it explains how to bring the abundance in heaven- also known as God’s kingdom- to earth. The first time we encounter Jesus’ teaching regarding the Kingdom, is in the book of Matthew.
“From that time Jesus began to preach and say “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matt 4:17)
The definition of “at hand” is: ready for use and accessible when needed- meaning God’s powerful kingdom had come down to earth through Jesus and then later in the book of Acts we are taught that the Kingdom will still be active through the Holy Spirit that will indwell all believers.
We are taught by Jesus how we should pray. We are told to say outloud: “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matt 6:10)
Let’s stop for a minute to take in the magnitude of what Jesus taught. He instructed us to ask for God’s plan and thus His Kingdom to come to earth. This means all of the best that heaven has, we are instructed to ask for. This profound prayer means that we are to pray and ask for our deep heartfelt desires for good in this world, to come to earth- like healing, provision, protection, peace, kindness, love and unity in the world. Lastly and most importantly, to pray for others to be saved. Satan and the enticements of sin are luring all of daily and because of this it will bring sickness, disease, and other situations that cause pain. But we can pray to get through these situations, allowing God to be glorified through them. For instance, if our prayers lead to the quicker healing or remission of a disease- God will be glorified.
Later Jesus tells us that in order to have powerful prayers we must be in right standing with Him -also called righteous- and this requires obedience.
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”(Matt 7:21)
This is a key verse. It is telling us that unless we do God’s will, and follow His teachings by turning our lives over to Him to live holy lives with the help of the Holy Spirit, we cannot enter the powerful kingdom of heaven here on earth. The kingdom of heaven (or kingdom of God- the terms are used interchangeably ) is the spiritual place where The Holy Spirit is not hindered by sin- we are clean vessels- and thus the Holy Spirit power can work through us. The Apostles were the first to enter this Spiritual Kingdom.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”(Acts 1:8)
Ordinary men were able to perform miracles because they had been with Jesus. We too, if we abide closely with the Lord, handing our lives over to the Lord and choosing to be obedient in all aspects of life-will have powerful prayers as well. This is for all followers of the Lord who have chosen to step out of the world with all of it’s enticements and have a sole goal of spreading the Gospel and walking with the Lord in obedience.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”(Phil 4:19)
When we recite the Lord’s Prayer we are indeed praying for God’s kingdom to come to earth. The Kingdom is secured by the Lord Himself and no level of affluence, power, or influential family name- can guarantee provision, protection and health. Our secure status as a child of God is our only assurance that God will provide us with everything we need for a life of abundance! The Lord’s Prayer is indeed full of power.
Food For Thought,
Lisa
