Thoughts on the Lord’s Prayer Part 6

Disciples spanning the ages and circling the globe share a common prayer, the Lord’s Prayer. Just imagine how many times this prayer has been offered. Just imagine all the situations that have inspired the use of these words of Jesus. Just imagine all the languages used to speak this prayer. Just imagine how much peace, wisdom, comfort, and inspiration the Lord’s Prayer has produced in the lives of Jesus’ followers.

The prayer concludes with a final petition and a proclamation of praise (a doxology that appears in only some ancient authorities, which is why some disciples do not recite the final sentence): And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

The final petition is an acknowledgement of an aspect of the human condition—we are easily led astray. We need God’s help to stay on the Way with Jesus, the way of love. We need strength in the face of temptation, and we need rescue from evil. Of course, God already knows what we need and is faithful to fill our needs but giving voice to our needs helps us do our part to withstand temptation and evil.

It is only appropriate to end the Lord’s Prayer with a word of praise to God, after all, it is only God’s kingdom that will endure, it is only God’s power that is never corrupted, and it is only God who is worthy of glory.

How has God helped you deal with temptation and evil? How has God’s glory brightened your life? In what new way will you use the Lord’s Prayer to enrich your faith?

If you need assistance with your practice of prayer you are welcome to contact me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.

Yours in Christ,

~Marc