Thy kingdom come

Verse for the week: “For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.” Psalm 92.4

Prayer for the week: “Almighty God, our maker and redeemer, you have made us into a new company of priests to bear witness to the Gospel. Enable us to be faithful to our calling to make known your promises to all the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Lutheran Book of Worship)

Bible reading for the day:  Mark 4.26-29

And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. ²⁷ He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. ²⁸ The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. ²⁹ But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method*): Gracious and almighty Father, your kingdom comes to us not through our plans or projects, but in the person of Jesus Christ. Thank you! Repent me and your whole church of trying to hasten or force your kingdom. Bring the growth and reap the harvest as you will… not as we coerce. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic hymn which gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccVEjKFkAV4  

“Thy kingdom come...”

What does this mean? God’s kingdom comes indeed without our prayer, but we ask in this petition that it may come also to us.

When is this done? God’s kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us his Holy Spirit so that, by his grace, we believe his holy word and live a godly life on earth now and in heaven for eternity. (from “The Small Catechism” by Martin Luther)

 Benediction:  The peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Amen.  Phil 4.7

 

*The T.R.I.P. approach to prayer is based on the way Martin Luther prayed and taught others to pray.  It was later developed by Walter and Ingrid Trobisch and then adapted by Mount Carmel Ministries (Alexandria, MN).  The method is founded on scripture and easy to remember:

T: thanksgiving
R: regret (repentance)
I: intercession (asking God to take a specific action)
P: plan or purpose
Reading a biblical text and then applying this method gives one a sound, simple way to form one’s prayers...not to mention that it helps one learn how to faithfully reflect on God’s Word and talk to God.