The Model Prayer - Pt 9

 

[Jesus said] Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day 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 evil.” (Matthew 6:9–13 ESV).

 

Before we leave the Model Prayer we should give some consideration to the verse that some manuscripts have added to verse 13: “For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen” It is a powerful doxology; however, the phrase “for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever,” as part of the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:13), is absent from the early Greek manuscripts like Sinaiticus (א) and Vaticanus (B), both 4th-century manuscripts; Bezae (D) from the 5th century; and Dublinensis (Z) from the 6th century. The absence of the phrase in these early Greek manuscripts is significant evidence that the words were not original in Matthew’s Gospel. That it is absent in the writings of early theologians like Tertullian (2nd—3rd centuries), Origen (3rd century), Cyprian (3rd century), Ambrose (4th century), and Augustine (4th—5th centuries) also suggests that “for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever” was not originally included in the Lord’s Prayer.

 

The real question might be posed for thought: “Is it a helpful reminder of how we ought to pray?” And of course, that answer is a resounding YES! So, let me point out a few points of inspiration.

 

First, we should not forget that it is the tendency of sinful man to prioritize an earthly kingdom rather than a heavenly kingdom. The earthly realm often prioritizes power, order, and material resources. However, Jesus's declaration underscores the transcendent nature of his kingdom: "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36). Unlike earthly kingdoms built on temporal foundations, the heavenly kingdom is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Life is completely different as a citizen in the kingdom of Jesus. Jesus has called us into His kingdom not by His power, but by His love and sacrifice.

 

Second, we should understand the difference between earthly power versus heavenly power. Earthly power is fleeting, tied to material resources and human authority. In contrast, heavenly power, as seen in the resurrection, transcends the limitations of earthly existence. It is the power to transform death into eternal life, offering hope, healing, and redemption to all who have been called by the Holy Spirit into life. This resurrection power reshapes our perspectives and reaches out of eternity into space and time to infuse our lives with faith, hope, and love.

 

And third, we should recognize the difference between earthly glory and heavenly glory. Earthly glory often revolves around personal acclaim, achievements, and material possessions. How many likes or views do you have? How many people have read your book? What’s your approval rating? How much money do you have? What kind of car do you drive? However, heavenly glory manifests in acts of love and service, exemplified by Jesus washing the disciples' feet. This selfless love, culminating in the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, reveals the true glory of God—a glory rooted in love, sacrificial giving, redemption, and reconciliation.

 

This doxology of the Lord's Prayer encapsulates a spirit of submission and trust. By acknowledging God's kingdom, power, and glory, we relinquish our desire for control and recognition, placing our lives entirely in God's hands. This act of surrender is not a sign of weakness but of profound faith and dependence on the One who holds all things together. While probably later added by a scribe, it certainly captures the intent of Scripture. Prayer should be an act of submission and faith.