“Be careful NOT TO PERFORM YOUR RIGHTEOUS ACTS before men TO BE SEEN by them. If you do, you will HAVE NO REWARD from your Father in heaven….” Matthew 6: 1 BSB (Emphasis mine)
In the previous edition, we established the first principle of prayer which has to do with REVERENCE. Today, we are going to continue from where we left off. Let us continue with the analysis of Matthew 6:9-11.
After this MANNER (pattern /fashion) therefore pray ye: 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. Matthew 6:9-11 KJV, (Emphasis & insertion mine).
The next phrases “THY KINGDOM COME. THY WILL BE DONE IN EARTH, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN” suggests we recognize HIS AUTHORITY. By this, we are asking for the extension of his domain into our lives. The term earth does not necessarily mean the planet earth but rather the physical realm and more specifically in relation to our lives. God gave man dominion over the earth or physical realm right from creation. Therefore, per His own laws, man is in charge of his life. The only way He can interfere in our lives is when we submit to His rulership. We therefore submit to his authority and position ourselves for His rulership when acknowledge his authority in our petition or prayer.
Also, the phrase “THY WILL BE DONE IN EARTH, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN” suggests we trust his JUDGEMENT. His will is His Word or the constitution that governs creation both the spiritual and the physical realms. Like the earthly judges their rulings are based on the constitution. Because we trust their judgement, that is why we submit our petition to them in order to rule in our favour. Since we trust the judgement of God, it is imperative we align our petitions in conformity with His constitution, which is His word or will.
Furthermore, the phrase “GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD.” Talks about OUR NEEDS which are the crux of our petition. But if we place them above His Reverence, His Authority and His Will or Judgement, our petitions will be dismissed. Therefore, we must follow the due process before presenting our need. Since we are seeking for His intervention in our lives, it is important we structure our needs based on His will.
When our petitions or prayer requests are structured based on the Will or the Word of God, He is forced to rule in our favour. That is why it important to look out for scriptures to support our prayer requests. We must look out for instances in the scriptures that are similar or exactly like our situation and hinge our prayer or petition on them as evidence, just as we present evidence in court to support our petitions. Every need of humanity is addressed by the scriptures. That is why we need to be addicted to the scriptures. No wonder God told Joshua not to let the scriptures depart from him, if indeed he really needed to succeed in leading the Israelites (Joshua 1:8).
Beloved, prayers that are not hinged on the scriptures are nothing more than wish lists that can only remain or be fulfilled in the figment of our imagination. They will never be materialized. Like they say “If wishes were horses, beggars would have ride”. Let us therefore become students of the scriptures so that we can know how to develop content for our prayers. We shall continue with the analysis of the Lord’s prayer in the next edition. God bless us all.
PRAY WITH ME
Lord Jesus, I thank you this day for my life. From this day forward, I have resolved in my heart to become addicted to the scriptures in order to enhance my walk with you and my prayer life. Holy Spirit, please guide and help me achieve this. This I pray in the precious name of Jesus! Amen!
Author: REV. SOLOMON LUTTERODT