We’ve all experienced it. You say something over and over again…and over time you simply stop thinking about what you are saying. For couples in a relationship, the words “I Love You” can have that fate. Without intention, the words become empty. In the presence of one’s healthcare provider it is easy to say, “Yes, I’m watching what I eat and I’m losing weight.” And yet we go home and have a bowl of ice cream because we made it through that appointment/day.
As a pastor, I have literally said the Lord’s Prayer hundreds…if not thousands of times. Throughout my entire ministry I’ve thought of doing a sermon series or even a study on the Lord’s Prayer, just to become more focused on the words I/we actually speak when praying that prayer. Most of us can probably say the words by memory without really thinking much about what we are saying. I know I at times have been guilty of this!!
I have found this six-week study and sermon series on the Lord’s Prayer very beneficial, and even eye opening as I’ve become more aware of and connected with the words of the prayer. Two of the words that have had the greatest impact are “Thy & Thine,” or in a more current day voice the words would be “your & yours.”
Of course, the intent of the words is to direct our focus, or the person praying the prayer, to where our focus really belongs…to God. Honored be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory… Line after line in this prayer, we are reminded that it isn’t our interests that we are seeking after in our prayer or in how we live our life, but rather it is God’s interest, God’s Kingdom, God’s will which we seek. Yet, how often do those words slip out of my mouth without my focus truly being on living those phrases out. How often do I, or any of us, just say the words trying to get to the “Amen” or the end.
Today is Good Friday, and as I read through the Good Friday story in Luke’s gospel, chapter 22, I came across some familiar words, words that Jesus shares with the disciples as he is teaching them about prayer. Jesus is in the garden praying, this is after the last supper and before his arrest. It is likely late at night on Thursday or in the wee hours of Friday morning. Jesus prays these words, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me, yet not my will but yours be done.” Did you hear them… “not my will be yours (will) be done.”
When Jesus taught the disciples the pattern for prayer in Matthew 6, part of the prayer is, “Your kingdom come, your will be done.” Throughout his earthly life this truly is the focus of Jesus’ actions, living out God’s Kingdom and will. But we see it so very clearly on Good Friday when Jesus knows what he is about to face - the cross. He asks if there is another way. But he says with trembling conviction, “but not my will but yours be done.” That is powerful! Jesus’ pattern for prayer wasn’t just words to the disciples…he lived it out…and it cost him his life.
As I journey on in life walking with Jesus, I find the Lord’s prayer speaking deeply to me. Am I honoring God’s name, am I reaching for God’s Kingdom and will to be done here on earth (in my life and community) as it is in heaven? Am I trusting God for the things that I truly need in life? Am I forgiving others as often and as quickly as I am seeking God’s forgiveness? Am I really seeking God’s leadership in my life and allowing God to help me steer clear of the evil that so quickly tempts? Do I recognize that all the kingdoms of this world & universe, the power, and the glory is truly God’s….and God’s alone? Powerful words and questions.
But for today, I hear the words echoing in the world and in my heart and mind, “not my will but yours be done.” Thank you, Jesus, for surrendering to God’s will. Today…we remember!!
Pastor Keith