Introduction
In this third week of our 40 Days of Prayer series leading up to Easter, we take a closer look at the phrase "Your kingdom come" from the Lord's Prayer. During our gathering at Trinity Fellowship, we aimed to delve deeper into what it means to invite God's kingdom into our lives and the world around us. It's not merely about a distant future; it necessitates introspection and action in our present lives. I had the privilege of collaborating with Jessica Guadalupe, our communications director, to reflect on this vital aspect of prayer and discipleship.
Main Points
In This Week’s Prayer We Shift
In this week’s prayer, we shift our perspective from God as our father, a concept that brings warmth and love, to God as our King, which conveys authority and sovereignty. Praying for His kingdom to come is an acknowledgment of and submission to His authority over our lives.
- This should fill our hearts with joy, as we recognize that we serve a perfect King.
- In essence, to pray "Your kingdom come" is to surrender our desires to Him.
- It means opening ourselves up to His will, which is ultimately good, both for us and for His greater purpose in the world.
- As we engage in this prayer, it's crucial to understand that we are participating in a larger cosmic battle between God's kingdom and the kingdom of darkness.
Drawing From Genesis 1 28 We
Drawing from Genesis 1:28, we see that God did not just create humankind; He entrusted us with authority to subdue the earth. This delegation of power initiated a spiritual conflict.
- Hence, our prayer is more than a desire for peace; it’s a battle cry seeking the establishment of God’s reign in every area of life, knowing that the evil in the world is actively.
- Our understanding of prayer is often limited by conventional thoughts; however, in considering the phrase "Your kingdom come," we realize it is a rich invitation for God to transfo.
- As we pray, we should ask ourselves how we can actively participate in God’s kingdom today.
- Romans 12 serves as a powerful guide, presenting ways in which we can embody the traits of followers of Jesus.
We Are Called To Demonstrate Kindness
We are called to demonstrate kindness, love, and forgiveness, acting as instruments of God's kingdom on earth. This inner transformation leads to outward action, allowing us to live as citizens of His kingdom. Reggie, a colleague, refocused our attention on practical applications from Romans 12, where it instructs us in behaviors that reflect the nature of God. When we exhibit brotherly love and outdo one another in showing honor, we bring the kingdom of God to our present world. This involves a radical shift in how we respond to others, especially in our current culture characterized by offense and division. Instead of retaliating when wronged, we are to practice forgiveness, echoing Christ's grace and love.
Understanding The Fullness Of God S
Understanding the fullness of God's kingdom also requires acknowledging the work of the Holy Spirit within us. Praying for His kingdom to come is an invitation for the Spirit to correct our desires and shape our thoughts. As we submit to God's leading, our emotions, desires, and commitments align more with His will. It is the Holy Spirit who cultivates the fruits within us, allowing for genuine transformation that reflects the character of Christ in our daily interactions. The call to pray for God's kingdom extends beyond individual requests to encompass a communal approach. As we gather in prayer and reflection, we should seek both personal and collaborative growth in our faith.
The Call To Embody God S
The call to embody God's kingdom entails engaging with others, whether believers or non-believers, in a way that showcases God’s love. This multi-faceted approach inspires a shared journey towards becoming Christ-like in our communities, allowing us to spread the values of His kingdom.
Conclusion
In conclusion, invoking "Your kingdom come" is a profound yet simple petition that carries significant weight in our discipleship journey. It beckons us to acknowledge God's authority, engage in the ongoing spiritual battle, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform our lives from the inside out. Let us remember that this prayer is not solely a future aspiration; it is a mandate for our present actions. In aspiring to embody the teaching of Romans 12, we invite God’s kingdom into our lives and communities, impacting those around us with Christ's love and grace as we look forward to the ultimate fulfillment of His reign.