THE LORD’S PRAYER :: AS IT IS IN HEAVEN

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DIFFERENT FRIDAY OF THE MONTH.

In The Lord’s Prayer Jesus is teaching his disciples how to pray, giving them not just a prayer to recite, but also a model prayer for us all. On the first Friday of each month in 2020 we will study this beloved prayer phrase by phrase and bring fresh application to our lives for today.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. ~ Matthew 6: 9-13

IN EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN

As believers we are not of this world, we are citizens of an unseen heavenly kingdom. We’re in two realms at once. Our physical bodies inhabit the earth while our spirits are seated with Christ in heavenly places. Armed with the important truth that heaven dwells with in us, we must live each day reminded that we may be the only example of heaven that people around us see today.

Earthen Vessels Filled with Heaven’s Breath

Our bodies are made from the dust of this earth. Our spirits are from the breath of God. Our bodies are drawn to earth yet our spirits are drawn to heaven. When our spirits have been reborn by the saving power of Jesus Christ, we experience a battle between our flesh and our spirits.

For now we must make the best of this earthly battle. Walk in wisdom by seeking God’s word, faithfully praying for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. We want our earthly bodies to walk out heaven’s will with God’s power to strengthen us and His Spirit to guide us.

Earth Bound Yet Citizens of Heaven

As citizens of heaven we’re called by God to live high and holy lives here on earth. To proclaim the excellencies of God who called us out of our darkness into His marvelous light. We are no longer our own. We’ve been bought with a price. We are God’s people, citizens of an unseen heavenly kingdom but yet living as earthly servants of God and for His glory.

“On the earth as it is in heaven

Let it be here with us right now

Where Your word is fulfilled

And your glory’s revealed

Let it be here with us right now.” ~ As It Is In Heaven Lyrics

Enjoy this beautiful song by Corey Voss.

April 3, 2020March 24, 2020

THE LORD’S PRAYER :: THY WILL BE DONE

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DESIGNATED WEEK OF THE MONTH.

In The Lord’s Prayer Jesus is teaching his disciples how to pray, giving them not just a prayer to recite, but also a model prayer for us all. This series will be published the first Friday of each month in 2020. We will be studying this beloved prayer phrase by phrase and bringing fresh application to our lives today.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. ~ Matthew 6: 9-13

The Lord’s Prayer is sometimes seen as a familiar prayer taught in childhood to recite before bedtime. As we’re learning in this series it is much more than that. For many of us it’s very important, even a critical prayer during times of uncertainty and struggles.

Come To God With A Child’s Heart

Much like a child would go to their earthly parent seeking permission or direction, we can go to God when we pray for His will. God is for us as well and wants to help us. However, like a loving parent, Father God is looking for a good attitude and a submissive, obedient heart.

Heart Softened with The Word

If we catch ourselves dealing with a bad attitude our hearts and minds may need some refreshing by the water of The Word. Spending time in Scripture, for me specifically the Gospels of Jesus Christ, helps transform my heart attitude in no time. The more time I spend in God’s Word, the quicker my heart will align with God’s will.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. ~ 1 John 5:14-15

Confident Prayers

After spending time in Scripture, my heart is now softened, my mind has been transformed and I can now be confident that the prayers I pray will be more in alignment with God’s will. My prayers have a better chance of being answered because I know better my Father’s heart and desires for me.