The Daily Grace - Glory and Grace

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 is 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 (Matt. 6:9), and His program and His purpose (v. 10). Then, it shifts from a contemplation of the Holy God to who 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 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 towards 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.