From the Heart of the Pastor

         Most of us cannot think of the Lord’s model prayer without considering the final phrase of that prayer, “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, amen” Matthew 6:13.  What a beautiful and appropriate ending to a perfect prayer.  We are once again reminded that it is God alone who is the object of our prayer.  We come full circle to the Glory of God that Jesus begins the prayer speaking about.  It is all about his Glory. 
            Is there any better subject to consume our thoughts and to be the center of our focus than the Glory of God?  All creation from the smallest sub-atomic particle to the farthest galaxy demonstrates the wonder, power, and glory of God.  When we really think about all the things we see in nature it is quite overwhelming.  God is so glorious and powerful.  King David prayed similarly to Jesus in 1 Chronicles 29: 10-13 "Blessed are You, O LORD God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O LORD, and You exalt Yourself as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone. Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name.”  May this be our prayer as well.  We really only understand our place in the world when we truly understand God’s power and majesty as the creator of the world.
            As we conclude our thoughts on the Lord’s Prayer, consider the following: 
I cannot say "Thine is the kingdom" if I do not give the King
the loyalty due Him from a faithful subject. I cannot attribute to Him "the power" if I fear what men may do.  I cannot attribute to Him "the glory" if I'm seeking honor only for myself. I cannot say "forever" if the horizon of my life is bounded completely by time.  -Author Unknown.
 
 
In Christ,
Blain Craig

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