In Jesus’ furtherance of this prayer, He is including the creation that is held together in Himself. He is leading the parade of creation as He prays these two simple words, “on earth” as it is in heaven.

The idea that is communicated here is one in which the person praying is not only asking for God’s will to be done presently, but to become aware of God’s activity in the past and to be open to God’s work in the future as well.

It is a choice that is presented, a request for somebody to reveal their desire, and ultimately it is a powerful decision that is made when somebody responds to a question starting with the words, “Will you…”

Think about it: when we were children, we just wanted to have our friends over. We didn’t think if they were busy or how much homework or chores needed to be done, we just simply asked for them to “Come over.”

As He teaches on prayer, Jesus reminds His disciples in the phrase, “Your Kingdom come,” that as we ask for the Kingdom, we are asking for the King who is the representation and manifestation of the Kingdom.

As we believe in His Name, we are aligned with His Name, and ultimately, we begin to trust that who God says He is, is who He really is.

All too often, we find ourselves trying to be overly relevant in the way we communicate about the Lord to the world around us. We try to enfold the Creator into creation, we attempt boxing the Limitless King with limited thoughts and philosophies, and we ultimately forget that God is in His very nature Holy. 

This is to say, that when we pause in reverence of Abba’s name and His atmosphere, we are making ourselves aware of His name and presence already around us and in the midst of us.

For Jesus to start off His prayer with this relational, familiar, and intimate voicing of “Daddy,” is to bring us to the place in which prayer makes sense. Prayer is relational as the Father, Son, and Spirit are relational and create us in that manner.

I am excited to announce that I have been working on an online devotional for all who want to participate in praying through the Lord's Prayer in a deeper and more focused way! Each day, I will be posting a new devotional writing that focuses on a different word or phrase from the Lord's Prayer out of Matthew 6:9-13.

One of my recent favorite activities is taking my dog, Shamgar, on a walk in the morning before the day gets bogged down in the summer heat and humidity. Shamgar, or Shammie, is a very good walker. He only pulls on the leash when he sees a lizard or squirrel beckoning for him to come and investigate what they are doing and where they are doing it.

Recently a friend asked me, “Cam, how are you doing?” For some reason, without hesitation, I responded with, “Bro, I’m living the dream and dreaming bigger.” But I paused as if I just got hit with a force I couldn’t overcome, asking myself after I spoke these words, “Are you really trying to dream bigger or are you okay with comfortability?”

Because when we set our minds on things above—on things that are lovely, noble, pure, and holy—when we renew our mindset to think with power, love, and self-discipline, when we think with and like the Lord, we are empowered to live, speak, and do from rest and from a source that is not and never will be depleted. 

One of the themes that stuck out to me the most was the allure of power. Throughout the storyline of these films and books, there was this pulsating challenge to the audience: 

    what matters most, power or community?

Recently I was interviewed for a friend's class in seminary. He asked me the question: What are the greatest challenges in becoming Christ-like today? What follows is my response to him and I pray that you are encouraged, enlightened, and empowered to walk in deeper intimacy with God, family with the Church, and awakening in the world. 

So, the question still beckons an answer: why? Why can’t God just heal every person, every time we pray? Where’s God’s goodness in the midst of this world?

I guess what I am getting at is this: we all need to slow down. There is beauty all around. Each person, each smile, each tear, each moment. We have the opportunity to pace ourselves in the time of eternity, to root ourselves in that relational understanding of God’s commute in our hearts, and to connect ourselves to a greater perspective of His promise, even when things are “in the way”, “eye sores”, or “covered in poop”.

When I had parked and started getting out of my vehicle I looked up to see one of these faces almost in the driver's seat with me. His name is Donald. 

I would much rather be a disciple of Christ Jesus who risks walking on the waves when things seem windy and dangerous with the possibility of sinking than one who sits in my boat of false security.

Here's the interesting thing: they were all blended together. The crowns were sticking out from garbage piles, while the backpacks were crushing precious diadems. As our room continued to lift up our voices in praise, surrender, and worship, I saw an incredible transformation. In one instant, the entire pile was transformed into golden crowns before the feet of Jesus.