The Lord's Prayer

Here are some well-known words. Even though they are in old fashioned language they are used in this form to open sessions in Australia’s federal parliament.

“…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 5:8-13 KJV)

These words are commonly known as the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus spoke these words as a direct response to his disciple’s request that he teach them to pray. The words are a masterpiece; a summary of everything that is important to those who love God. God first, then our relationship with Him, then our relationship with each other. That deals with our current life. Then there is the recognition that something better is coming in the words “Thy kingdom come” and “for-ever.”

If you’ve ever listened to the proceedings in parliament you would quickly see that they often don’t align at all with the words of the prayer. In fact the words don’t fit many other arenas of human behaviour at all.

But imagine what the ‘Christian’ world, at least, would be like if everyone did behave in accordance with the prayer. Our lives would be so much better. No disputes with neighbours, courtesy on the roads, and unconditional love for and from our families.

And the “kingdom come” part carries a message of hope beyond the ‘now’. A perfect life for-ever where everyone on the earth lives in accordance with the prayer. Search out the details in God’s Bible.