Meditation

I say these three simple words and 80 percent of people in this country, and over a billion people worldwide, know exactly what I mean: the words of Jesus from the Gospel of Mathew and Luke in response to the disciples asking Him to teach them how to pray.

I memorized this prayer in Catholic school by fourth grade and years later was surprised at my first AA meeting when it was used to close the meeting.

But do we really think about the words or do we just say them?

"Our Father," am I truly born again into the family of God trusting Jesus as my Savior? If so, I can say "Our Father."

"In Heaven," so many of us are looking for answers here on this Earth with our self-help books, etc., but it's only a loving Father "In Heaven" who can truly answer our prayers for our benefit and His glory.

"Hallowed be your name," literally means to make His name great. King David committed adultery, then had the husband killed. When Nathan the prophet confronted him, he told David, "You have given the enemies of God a reason to blaspheme His name." How we live our lives will either magnify the Lord Jesus Christ or give His enemies a reason not to believe.

"Thy Kingdom come," this is both prophetic anticipation and personal grace. No matter how bad things may get, now I have the joyful expectation of the day of Jesus' return and what things will be like under Hi s reign. And, the grace to know that because of my decision for Him now, I am already secure in the Kingdom to come.

"Thy will be done," Alan Redpath said: "Obedience to the will of God is the ultimate purpose of God for every one of His children." Why? Because only in submission to the will of God is there peace for the world and the human heart. Can you honestly say you have peace? Love? Joy? Happiness? If not, maybe you can find them in three simple words: The Lord's Prayer.

—Michael Evers Senior pastor, Island Christian Fellowship