your kingdom come

Prayer is a hard thing for me. I often feel like I'm trying too hard. . . forcibly crafting thoughts together when it should come more easily - flow more effortlessly. Other times I feel like I am being too spiritual about it. . . overly worried about saying everything in just the right way; you know, trying to show off my theological expertise or something. Which, of course, sounds completely ridiculous seeing as how I'm praying to GOD. But, if I'm going to be honest, its true.

Not only is praying just flat out difficult sometimes, but there are things that frustrate me about prayer in general. I don't totally understand it. I know that it is one of the greatest and most meaningful ingredients of our walk with God, and I know that Jesus depended on it for guidance and wisdom when he was on earth. . . but it seems so much more mysterious than a + b = c, you know?

I find comfort in the Lord's prayer, though. So simple, so straight foward. My absolute favorite line is your kingdom come. The applications of that phrase are endless - your kingdom come in this world, your rule and reign come over these nations, your lordship take hold in my life. . . oh, your kingdom come, Lord God, in any and every way it possibly can!!

I should pray the Lord's prayer more often. Jesus meant it as the ultimate example, and I think his theology is probably better than mine anyway (perhaps the understatement of the year, yes?).

My prayer for you? May His kingdom come in your life today too. . .

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us
not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Matthew 6:9-13