The servants of God in every age have found it necessary to be in a constant state of awareness of their utter dependence upon Him. This is the true position in which we stand before the Father. He requires our complete submission to His will. Human pride and waywardness ever stand in the way of our full achievement of this state.
As Jesus’ disciples found Him at prayer on one occasion they were so impressed by His attitude before the Father that they asked, “Lord, teach us how to pray”. He did, and in examining what is generally styled the Lord’s Prayer we cannot fail to be impressed by what we find.
First, there is the recognition of the Father’s supremacy; then a plea that His name be hallowed. Herein is a request which, if honestly uttered, prevents us from elevating ourselves at any time. “Thy kingdom come”: these words indicate a keen desire for present worldly power and attractions to pass away and be replaced by divine administration of all mankind’s affairs.
“Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. Can we sincerely utter these words and yet follow the worldly practice of seekng our own way in our relationships with our brethren and sisters and others? “Give us this day our daily bread.- It is true Adam was told, “In the sweat of thy brow shalt thou eat bread”. However, all our sweat and toil would be in vain were it not for God’s bounty—showered even upon the unjust as well as the just.
“Forgive us our trespasses.- We have so much to be forgiven, surely we would never omit such a petition: but Jesus also said, “As we forgive those who trespass against us”. Herein is a dire warning to us. If we do not forgive others their trespasses against us, neither will God forgive us our trespasses. We may feel very strongly about our treatment by others, but has not Jesus given us His example: “Father forgive them.- There is the goal for which we must strive in our dealings with our fellows.
“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Our spirit may be willing but how weak is our flesh! We should not seek temptation. Yes, surely seek the Father’s guidance, and especially His deliverance from evil.
“For thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory.” Yes, all is God’s, the cattle upon a thousand hills, all the wealth of the world is His. He is the focal centre of all power throughout the universe, surrounded in unimaginable glory. A glory yet to be revealed! We cannot even imagine what God has in store for all who love and obey Him. A certain amount has been revealed, but what a glorious future is ours, if now we can utter these words before our Father in heaven, and be truthful and sincere.
Have we prayed with all our heart and being, blotting out all other thoughts? Have we really been in deep communion with the Father? In prayer we have a priceless privilege: not only do we make requests of Him, but, what is far more important, our deepest concentration of thought should be upon God, His goodness, His forgiveness and the strength which He alone can give. Prayer lifts us up to the divine mind; we are reassured, we are strengthened for the journey ahead.
Let us truly value so great a privilege, not forsaking what Jesus has made possible for us, “In My name”. There is no other name whereby we can approach the Father. We should draw near in full assurance, and yet in humility and reverence.
Reflections on the Potter and the Clay