Remember, there is a simple thought in this theme of approaching God as 'our Father who is in Heaven.' It is simply this, God is King now!
Max Lucado helps us consider this further:
Max Lucado helps us consider this further:
"God is. Not God was. Not God will be. Not God could be or should be, but God is. He is the God of the present tense...."
Since this is true, the hope and foundation of our prayers is on God's rule and reign as King - His ability to do what is needed.
"The key question in life is not 'How strong am I?' but rather 'How strong is God?' Focus on His strength, not yours. Occupy yourself with the nature of God, not the size of your biceps."
This is especially true at the outset of our prayers when we are preparing to bring before God some of the hurts and problems we are faced with in life and this world. We need to be reminded that we can trust God.
"In the midst of your daily storms, make it a point to be still and set your sights on Him. Let God be God. Let Him bathe you in His glory so that both your breath and your troubles are sucked from your soul. Be still. Be quiet. Be open and willing. Then you will know that God is God...."
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
- How does the reality of God as King now change your approach to prayer?
- What does it mean to 'let God be God? How does that affect your prayers?
- How can you prayerfully approach God as King right now?
These quotes are taken from Max Lucado's book, The Great House of God.
Note: the original Greek does not include the word 'is' in this first phrase of the Lord's Prayer [literally: 'father of us in the heavens']; there is no verb. However, verbs are often implied in Greek sentence structure, especially when the sentence involves a predicate noun/adjective [re-naming/describing the subject] and therefore a linking verb. The emphasis on God being King in the present is an entirely accurate understanding of the phrase.
Note: the original Greek does not include the word 'is' in this first phrase of the Lord's Prayer [literally: 'father of us in the heavens']; there is no verb. However, verbs are often implied in Greek sentence structure, especially when the sentence involves a predicate noun/adjective [re-naming/describing the subject] and therefore a linking verb. The emphasis on God being King in the present is an entirely accurate understanding of the phrase.