I am no scholar on the Lord's prayer. The greatest tools I bring to Bible study are plain interpretation, corroboration with other passages and logic. So this morning, when the political headlines are grim, especially in the Seattle Times which is complimentary (but certainly not to Trump) at this hotel, I have been thinking about that prayer. The second line after addressing our Father is, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." I have never been one of those Christians who believes that God cannot work his sovereign will on earth unless the right officials are elected or God's will would only be a footnote between Genesis and Revelation. But that does not mean I do not get discouraged by the morals and politics of our time.
So today I am contemplating the passage, "Thy will be done on earth . . . I can think of a few different ways to look at this.
Future: If this request is for a future time, like the millennium, then what would that mean for the next ones for daily food, forgiveness and deliverance from temptation? Future food isn't filling.
Symbolic: It is true Jesus used lots of parables and symbolism to teach his disciples, but again, the rest of the prayer is for daily needs. The disciples did not need symbolic food, forgiveness or strength against temptation.
Literal: My default and favorite. I pray for God's will to be done on earth, just like it is in heaven, and that I will be a part of doing His will.
Some of the leaders of our nation will change in a few days, but our true leader, who also rules the planet and the universe, will not change. Cannot change. It is not my job to approve God's will, understand it, or even see it. My part is to pray for, and as best I can, seek to be a part of--thy will be done.
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