Your Kingdom Come!

Scripture:

Matthew 6:9–10, 9 "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."

Devotion:

In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus imparts to us a transformative tool for our communication with God, offering profound insights into the desires of our hearts when we pray. When we utter, 'Your kingdom comes,' we are not just inviting God's authority, justice, love, and peace into our lives and world, but we are also aligning ourselves with the essence of God's redemptive plan and our significant role in it.

To pray for God's Kingdom to come is an acknowledgment of our deep longing for His presence to be manifested here on earth. It reflects our desire to see the values of the Kingdom—love, compassion, mercy, and justice—prevail over darkness, division, and strife. It is both a present plea and a future hope, as we anticipate the fullness of God's reign when Christ returns.

In a world filled with chaos and suffering, this prayer invites us to actively participate in ushering God's Kingdom into our daily lives. We are called to be ambassadors of this Kingdom, embodying the principles of love and service that Jesus exemplified. Praying "Your kingdom come" challenges us to consider how we can live out God's will in our communities. It asks us to engage with those in need, to seek justice for the oppressed, and to extend grace and forgiveness to those around us.

Moreover, when we pray for God's Kingdom to come, we are prompted to reflect on personal areas where we may be resistant to His reign. This prayer serves as a mirror, revealing aspects of our lives, relationships, or attitudes that need to be aligned with His will. It calls us to surrender our own agendas and desires, allowing God's perfect plan to unfold in and through us.

When we pray for God's Kingdom, we are not just expressing a future hope, but we are also acknowledging a present reality that we can experience now. This prayer reassures us, encouraging us to look for glimpses of God's work in our midst, recognizing His hand at work in the world every day.

Prayer:

Lord, as I come before You, I pray for Your Kingdom to come into my life and into the world around me. Help me to be an instrument of Your love and peace, and to reflect the values of Your Kingdom in all that I do. Give me the courage to step out in faith, serve others, and advocate for justice. May I recognize areas of my life that need to be surrendered to Your will, and may I actively seek to embody the hope of Your Kingdom every day? Amen.

Reflection:

Take a moment to reflect on what "Your kingdom come" means in your life today. How can you actively participate in bringing God's Kingdom into your daily interactions and decisions? Consider specific actions you can take to help those in need, promote peace, or bring love into a challenging situation. Write your thoughts down and pray for God's guidance as you seek to align your life with His purpose. Where can you look for God's hand in the lives of those around you?