Doxology

The prayer Jesus taught us was the first Bible passage I ever memorized.

Maybe it was for you, too.

The last line I learned, interestingly, is not included in the earliest ancient manuscripts.

For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever.

We do have evidence, though, that as early as the late first century Christians had added this doxology to the Jesus’ prayer.

A doxology is simply an ascription of praise to God.

Whether Jesus actually included it in His prayer or not, I think it is a proper ending.

It reminds us that everything we have prayed is prayed on this foundation.

God, Your kingdom is bursting forth.

God, Your power is indescribable.

God, Your glory is unimaginable.

God, because of who You are, we want to honor Your name.

God, because of who You are, we want to live as citizens of Your kingdom.

God, because of who You are, we want Your will to be done in our lives.

God, because of who You are, we trust You to provide for our daily needs.

God, because of who You are, we trust You to forgive our sins and to empower us to forgive others.

God, because of who You are, we trust You to provide a way out of temptation and to rescue us from the evil inside of us and outside of us.

God, You are a good and great God. We can only come to You because You have graciously invited us to participate in Your kingdom, to experience Your power, and to share in Your glory.

God, we come to You humbled by this prayer Your Son gave us.

We are can’t live any of this out. We need You.

God, we come to You encouraged by this prayer Your Son gave us.

You have encouraged and invited and challenged us to come to You as a loving Father. To uphold Your reputation. To participate in Your kingdom. To do Your will. To rely on You for everything. To trust You for forgiveness. To extend Your forgiveness to others. To give us the strength to follow You.

God, Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.