Hey Advent Family, 

Some might notice that this final statement may not be included in some of the versions of the bible that you are reading from. Some scholars say that it wasn’t included in the original manuscripts.  Others say that there is reference to it in early church father’s writings so it should be included. We pray it every Sunday with it included, so it’s safe to say I’m in good company here : ) 

As Jesus wraps up his prayer, He is teaching the disciples, He gives us a sandwiched ending that is reminiscent of its beginning. Three things he emphasizes, the kingdom, the power, and the glory, all of these belonging to God. Just like the beginning of this prayer, He refocuses our attention and thoughts to our heavenly Father.  In an unequivocal statement declares that God is king, omnipotent, and worthy of all glory, always and forever.  What a way to end it! 

This ending reminds me of another ending. When king David in the bible came to the end of his reign and was told by the prophet Nathan that he couldn’t build the temple, he did the next best thing, he prepared all the plans and resources to build the temple for his son Solomon. Talk about a man after God’s own Heart! Rather than getting bitter and rebellious because God forbade him to do so, he chose to set his son up for success.   As all these resources are gathered and stored, plans already laid out for his son to finish the work, he bursts into an amazing prayer, read along, and see how similar it is and shares the same sentiments of our great God.

1 Chronicles 29:10-13 10 David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,

“Praise be to you, Lord, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. 11 Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. 12 Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. 13 Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

As we come to a close of our series through the Lord’s prayer, what better way than to acknowledge and declare that the Kingdom, power and Glory all belong to Him. Remember just like David no matter what the circumstances, whether we get our way or not, that the kingdom, power and glory all belong to God. It’s all about God. It was a great time going through this prayer together! My hope and prayer is that over the last eight days you have gained new insight and grown closer to God.  And as you say this prayer moving forward that you would not let it become a routine, or a habit, or an afterthought of just going through the motions, but that you would reflect on each statement with understanding and great awe and reverence for the prayer that Jesus taught us about our heavenly Father, 

And remember 

Jesus loves you, and so do I!

Pastor Will