Tuesday's SOAP - Matthew 6:9-18

⁹ Pray like this:
   Our Father in heaven,
      may your name be kept holy.
   ¹⁰ May your Kingdom come soon.
   May your will be done on earth,
      as it is in heaven.
   ¹¹ Give us today the food we need,
   ¹² and forgive us our sins,
      as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
   ¹³ And don’t let us yield to temptation,
      but rescue us from the evil one.
 ¹⁴ “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. ¹⁵ But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
 ¹⁶ “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. ¹⁷ But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. ¹⁸ Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

S(cripture) - May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

O(bservation) - Have I taken the Lord's Prayer as common - something said by rote, without contemplating the depth of what Jesus was asking us to do when we pray?   It happens, sadly.  Jesus says we should pray for the Kingdom to come in all its fullness.  And this is tied to us participating in the will of God (your will be done).  God's will.  I've heard people say, "I wish I knew God's will for my life."  as if it is some big overwhelming unknown.  I know folk are thinking about careers and who they are to marry and big stuff like that, but after so many years of ministry, I think God is just as much if not more interested in all of us following the will of God on the "everyday stuff."  Like this sermon on the mount stuff - WHEN you give.  WHEN you pray.  WHEN you fast.  And the Spirit reminds me that Paul wrote "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing. Give thanks in everything for THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thess 5:16-18).  I wonder if "the will of God" claim is just a subterfuge to do nothing.  At one point a lawyer comes up to Jesus and asks what he must do to inherit eternal life.  Jesus asks him what he thinks and the guy spouts off the commandments.  Jesus says, "You're right - do this and you will live."  Get after it.  (Nike - just do it.)  "Who ever hears these words of mine AND puts them into practice . . ."

A(pplication) - God's will is that I love others, bless others, be a joyous person, be thankful for my life and be in constant connection with Christ - pray without ceasing.  THIS IS SO HARD!  But so necessary.  I have a bad back and a bum shoulder and both of these are sucking joy from me.  May they be reminders of the pain you bore for me - on the cross.  And may that bring joy and thanksgiving.  Comb your hair, Jesus says (as if I had any).  Wash your face.  Let joy and contentment shine through even in fasting and suffering. 


P(rayer) - Abba, the Spirit led me to Paul's words this morning.  I want to spend a day - rejoicing, thanking and praying.  Give me grace to do your will today. Your Kingdom come. Your will be done one earth, in me, as it is in heaven.  Amen