“THIS, THEN, IS HOW YOU SHOULD PRAY: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, [in] earth as it is in heaven.” (Matt. 6:9-10) I say IN here because we are God’s earthen vessels and this world was turned over to “the god of this world” (2 Corin.l 4:4) when man disobeyed God. Jesus started verses 5, 6 and 7 of Matthew with these words: “WHEN YOU PRAY…” As important as our next breath, prayer should be JUST AS IMPORTANT for us! “…lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matt. 6:13) We are “tempted” to think and say “we’ll be ok, the Lord will help us” but, unless we DILIGENTLY SEEK THE LORD in prayer, we’ll be on our own! “Our Father…YOUR kingdom come, YOUR will be done…” (Matt. 6:9-10) Let this be the theme of our prayer from now on!!! “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet (Elisha) answered. “THOSE WHO ARE WITH US ARE MORE THAN THOSE WHO ARE WITH THEM.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills FULL OF HORSES AND CHARIOTS OF FIRE all around Elisha.” (2 Kings 6:16-17) Elisha needed help from the Lord he prayed “thy kingdom come thy will be done” and the Lord filled the area around Elisha with divine help; let this be our prayer, Lord fill the area in and around us with your divine presence-“YOUR kingdom come, YOUR will be done”!“If you say [let this be our prayer], “The LORD is my refuge,” and YOU MAKE THE MOST HIGH YOUR DWELLING [wherever I am], NO HARM WILL OVERTAKE YOU, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you TO GUARD YOU IN ALL YOUR WAYS…” (Psa. 91:9-11) Oh, Abba Father be with us all through each day–“YOUR kingdom come, YOUR will be done”! “I HAVE SOUGHT YOUR FACE WITH ALL MY HEART; be gracious to me according to your promise.” (Psa. 119:58) Seeking the Lord’s face is how we develop an intimacy with our Abba Father! “You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “YOUR FACE, LORD, DO I SEEK.” (Psa. 27:8) Seek God’s face and pray for His kingdom to come and His will to be done!
WILL, LET’S SEEK THE LORD’S FACE WITH ALL OUR HEART!
-Bill Stockham