Sermon snippet -Large Principles from the Lord’s Prayer
INTRODUCTION – Except for special times such as Christmas, Easter, and Communion Sundays, it has been our practice in the last several years to read responsively either Psalm 23 or the Lord’s Prayer. The genesis of this regular reading was to help young people to memorize these two foundational texts – and to continually refresh the memories of those of us who are aging! The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) is a model for intercession (“After this manner therefore pray ye” – verse 9). It also provides a framework to better understand God and ourselves. Let us consider three principles from this passage.
- OUR FOCUS SHOULD BE ON GOD
The first part of this divine prototype (verses 9-10) draws our attention to the recipient of our supplication. It also ends with the same emphasis: “For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever” (verse 13). Certainly, God merits such rapt attention. Who else is good all the time and cares for us no matter what our circumstances are? Who else can smooth our troubled minds with peace? Who else can direct our aimlessness into profound purpose? Who else can fill our aching aloneness with everpresent intervention? Who else can meet our selfish sin with free forgiveness? Who else can transform death into an eternal entrance into heaven? The very act of approaching God in prayer is a recognition of His unchanging goodness and greatness. Certainly as we come to Him in prayer we will learn more and more of His concern and comfort.
- OUR SECONDARY FOCUS SHOULD BE ON OTHERS
This prayer paradigm begins with “Our Father” and uses “us” four times and “we” once. Generations of Christians understood that they were part of something special. Beginning in the 1800’s, Christians, especially those in North America and in Europe, began to increasingly emphasize individualism, which unfortunately contributed to self-absorption and ultimately selfishness. Rather, we should be genuinely concerned about the physical (“daily bread”) and spiritual (verses 12-13) needs of others. Our prayer lives need to reflect this appropriate emphasis on others. As we intercede for people, our hearts will be softened toward them, and we will begin to be ready to help them when we can.
- LIFE IS NOT ALL ABOUT ME
Logically, if we think more about God and about others, we will be less likely to engage in self-indulgent self-interest. Certainly I matter; I am part of the “we” and “us” of the Lord’s Prayer. However, I am only part, not the whole. My life matters – it matters eternally – but it does not matter more than the lives of others. Life is not all about me.
CONCLUSION – “Our Father” – every time we say those two words, we immediately shift our focus to God and to others. These simple words will help us to think differently and live differently. We are preparing for an eternity together. Let us work together now.