ODJ: glory and grace
July 22, 2010
Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most (Hebrews 4:16).
READ: Matthew 6:9-13
The Lord’s Prayer is a relational prayer. And, though it might surprise you, it reveals a lot about our relationship with God. In these well-known lines, He reveals Himself to us—who He is and what He has done for us. The prayer also reveals how we should respond to Him. Its initial focus is on God’s glory, affirming His paternity and person (v.9), and His program and His purpose (v.10). Then it shifts from a contemplation of the Holy God to who we are—vulnerable children who are totally dependent upon our heavenly Father. The focus turns to God’s grace, assuring us of His provision (v.11), His pardon (v.12) and His protection (v.13).
Our Father in heaven, may Your name be kept holy (v.9) affirms the intimacy of the Father-child relationship as we reverently approach our perfect Father. May Your kingdom come soon (v.9) speaks of royalty and the loyalty offered to the King by His subjects. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven (v.10) is a declaration of surrender as we seek to obey our Master.
Give us today the food we need (v.11) reveals our total dependence on God as our provider. With gratitude in our hearts, we receive what He has given. Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us (v.12)—we explicitly ask the Father’s forgiveness, even as we implicitly seek a forgiving spirit toward others. Don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one (v.13) warns of the dangers and evil of this world, pointing us to the assurance of safety that comes from our Protector.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen (v.13)— a confident declaration that God’s sovereignty and power guarantee that this prayer will be answered in our lives. —K.T. Sim
Memorize the Lord’s Prayer this week. Reflect on the relationships that are described in this prayer. Of all the provisions mentioned, which encourages and comforts you the most? Why?
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Jehovah Jireh – my Provider, His grace is sufficient for me. I believe God will supply all my needs according to His riches in glory. Our God gives us grace as a gift for our salvation. So, treasure it and do not take it for granted.
Our God is a gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and full of compassion. So, just be gracious to others, too. However, we may sometimes sin out of anger but be slow to speak and quick to listen. A gentle answer turns away wrath. Amen???