The Rt Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin
THE BISHOP OF DOVER, CHURCH OF ENGLAND
When we think of ‘Kingdom’ we might picture rulers: Kings, Queens, Presidents, someone who is in charge with a domain to rule over. But Jesus is showing us through The Lord’s Prayer something different and truly transformational. The words, ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ are about each one of us acknowledging that this is a work of faith that we seek to live.
It is not about us and our human efforts. It is about the divine God working in us, by the Holy Spirit, to bring about transformation of our world and renewal of our communities. To bring about a new Kingdom, in which God is the true ruler, the real King who is in overall charge of the world.
In many ways, those of my ancestors who were enslaved were right. They suffered greatly, but in their suffering, they looked up. They saw and believed that ultimately, God was in charge, and one day His justice would reign on earth as it reigns in heaven. In their living out of the faith, they were witnessing to their friends and family about the God who truly reigns.
‘Thy Kingdom Come’ is about the new hope that the prophet Isaiah spoke about: ‘God is doing a new thing … He will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert’ (Isaiah 43:19). In other words, unlike the promises of too many in our society who often go back on their words, God is promising something new that
He will fulfil. He will make what others deemed impossible, possible.
So together let us intentionally pray daily and with confidence, ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ in our hearts and lives and in our world. Let’s pray those words, with joy and persistence in our hearts, for our five people today.
Pray for Five:
Let us pray for our five people that they will know the hope of Christ in their lives
Action:
Pray for God’s love to direct all of our relationships and conversations where we live and work so that many will encounter Jesus.
Original sources: