Teach Us How To Pray: "Your Will Be Done" - Matthew 6:10

In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6, Jesus (Yeshua) can be found ministering and teaching His disciples various principles regarding giving, fasting, the Father's care for His children, and many other things. One of the most notable portions of this scripture is His instruction to His disciples on prayer. It is prayer that opens the line of communication to the ears of the heavenly Father, a time of sweet communion in which we cast our cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7) and also open ourselves to receive whatever it is that we are seeking from God's Holy Spirit.

In verse 9 of chapter 6, Jesus gives His disciples specific instructions on prayer saying, "Pray, then, in this way: 'Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your Kingdom come...'" In the previous posts (click here to read OUR FATHER - WHO IS IN HEAVEN - HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME - YOUR KINGDOM COME) we looked at the first complete phrase of verse 9 to learn more about the heavenly Father, where He has established His throne, the sanctity of His name, and the nature of His Kingdom. Today we will examine the next phrase: "Your will be done..." and discover more about God's will for the earth.

"Will" - thelema - (Greek transliteration) - n. (Thayer's Greek Lexicon)

1) What one wishes or has determined shall be done - Though this definition seems general, the Lexicon begins its explanation stating that "will" here is purely biblical and ecclesiastical. Often we pray for things that flow from our own desires and even though we are to make our petitions known before the Lord (Philippians 4:6), we should always pray that it is His will for our lives that manifests because His will is perfect. (Romans 12:2)

2) What God wishes to be done by us for the purpose of blessing mankind through Christ - Ultimately, the mission of every believer in Christ is to share the Gospel - the message of salvation through faith in Jesus (Yeshua). (Matthew 28:19-20) Many people believe that this is the job of a preacher only. However, the truth of the Messiah can be "preached" through many forms. Yes, sharing the truth of Christ through words is powerful, but sharing His character and likeness through righteous action in our own lives often leaves an imprint that cannot be erased. (1 Corinthians 10:31-33)

3) Choice, desire, pleasure - From this definition it is important to note 3 things: 1) We always have a choice of whether we will follow our own desires or if we will allow the will of God to be done in our lives. (Joshua 24:15) Deciding to allow God to lead us does not mean we will no longer have desires that work against the righteousness of His plan. (1 Corinthians 10:13) However, genuinely doing the best that we can each day, knowing that grace and mercy are with us each step of the way (2 John 2-3) brings God pleasure and allows favor to manifest in our lives. (Psalm 23:6)

**Have questions or comments? E-mail me at gejohnsonmedia@gmail.com or leave them in the comment section below. Discussion is welcome!**