We come before the Lord with hearts aligned to His Word, reflecting on the profound truth of Matthew 6:9-13, where our Savior teaches us to pray, *"Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen."*
This prayer is not merely a recitation but a blueprint for how we are to order our livesβseeking Godβs Kingdom and righteousness first, trusting that all else will be added unto us (Matthew 6:33). It is a call to surrender our desires, our plans, and our very lives to the will of the Father, just as Christ did. When we prioritize His Kingdom, we align ourselves with His purposes, and He faithfully provides for our needs. This is the lifestyle of discipleship and evangelismβliving in such a way that others see Christ in us and are drawn to Him.
Yet, we must ask ourselves: Are we truly seeking His Kingdom first, or are we allowing the cares of this world to distract us? The world tells us to chase after wealth, comfort, and self-fulfillment, but Scripture warns us that these pursuits lead only to emptiness (Ecclesiastes 5:10). Those who do not know God seek after these things because they have no eternal perspective, but we are called to a higher standard. We are to store up treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:19-21).
Let us also remember that this prayer is made possible only through the name of Jesus Christ. There is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). Without Christ, we have no access to the Father, no forgiveness of sins, and no hope of eternal life. If we are praying without acknowledging Him as our Lord and Savior, our prayers are in vain. Jesus said, *"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me"* (John 14:6). Have you placed your faith in Him alone for salvation? If not, we urge you to do so today, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble and contrite hearts, acknowledging that You alone are holy, and Your Kingdom is eternal. We confess that too often, we have sought our own desires before Your will. Forgive us, Lord, for the times we have chased after the things of this world instead of Your righteousness. Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12).
We pray for those who do not yet know You, Father. Soften their hearts to receive the truth of Your Word. Use us as vessels of Your love and grace, that we may shine Your light in a dark world. Help us to live lives of evangelism and discipleship, always pointing others to Christ. May our lives reflect the prayer Your Son taught usβseeking Your Kingdom first, trusting You for our daily bread, and walking in forgiveness and deliverance from evil.
Lord, we surrender our plans, our dreams, and our very lives to You. May Your will be done in us and through us, just as it is in heaven. Strengthen us to resist temptation and to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy. We declare that Yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.