Bible Verse: “Pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, may Your Name be kept holy. May Your Kingdom come soon. May Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.’” (Matthew 6:9-10 NLT)
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:1-34
Years ago, I was the driver on a young adult weekend trip with some friends.
It was a spiritual trip in my little white Honda Accord because (incoming dad joke) we were “all in one accord.”
I was still a novice driver navigating unfamiliar roads in pea soup fog. The next thing I knew, the road had disappeared, and brush and debris were flying around me.
Thankfully, no one was hurt, and no significant damage was done…except to my pride. That night, I was lost and disoriented. A streetlight or a taillight ahead would have made all the difference.
This week, we have looked at how to understand God’s will and, hopefully, in the process, undone some of the myths or misconceptions we may have had.
We’ve considered that God’s will is:
- A Map, not a Mystery—if we learn and do His revealed will, we’ll be positioned to know His personal will for us.
- A Who, not a What—it’s all about relationship, knowing Him, and being known by Him.
- A Practice, not a Petition—it’s about fostering consistent daily spiritual rhythm and devotion.
- A Surrender, not a Self—it’s about learning the power of complete surrender.
- A Long Game, not a Short-term Goal—it’s a commitment to the long haul and living with a legacy mindset.
Jesus in Matthew 6:9-10 taught His disciples to pray what we call “The Lord’s Prayer,” which begins: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
This was so much more than a one-time request. This was a model prayer for all disciples for all time and is the highest prayer we can pray—that His will would be done on earth globally and personally.
As we pray this prayer, we are not alone in discerning His will. Remember, He desires His will to be done more than we ever do.
He has given us His Word as a guide.
He has given us His Spirit’s abiding presence so we can follow His lead and keep up with where He is going.
He provides wise people and unique circumstances as signposts and taillights.
As we drive this road, our job is to “keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25 NIV).
Two years ago, I lost a dear personal friend in a tragic accident—Dr. Bradley Truman Noel. He had spent much of his life mentoring young adults and encouraging them to pursue God’s will for their lives.
He often used the analogy of following God’s taillights when seeking God’s will. He would say: “The more like Christ we become, the clearer His taillights look to us.”
That’s a great place to end our week and begin our pursuit of God’s will. Let’s be men consumed with becoming more like Christ. He’ll take care of the rest.
Prayer: 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. (Matthew 6: 9-13)
Reflection: Share with someone the joy and freedom you have found in surrendering to God’s will. Send them a text, give them a call, or invite them to church. Let God’s Kingdom come through you today!
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