Your Will Be Done
Bible Reading: Luke 18:9-14
Author: Lisa Stackpole (Wisconsin, USA)
Author: Lisa Stackpole (Wisconsin, USA)
Wednesday 24 April 2024 © The Upper Room.
As I prayed the familiar lines with the congregation, ‘Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’, my mind was drawn to all of the crime, bigotry and violence in the world.
How wonderful it would be if everyone submitted to the will of God! This time, a small voice within me asked, ‘What about you?’ Indignant, I thought, ‘I don’t do those terrible things!’ I love the Lord, and pray for the end of the wickedness that is so prevalent in this world.
‘What about you?’ came the question again. Slowly, I realised that I, too, am a part of ‘on earth’.
While I have no control over the actions of others, I do have a say about my own actions. I am ashamed to admit that my will does not always conform to God’s.
While it does not result in crime, hatred or physical injury, my sin can make life on earth less ‘heavenly’ for me and for others. Now when I pray the Lord’s Prayer I add, ‘Your will be done on earth—especially in my life—as it is in heaven.’
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to be sensitive and obedient to your will as we pray, ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ Amen
