Daily Inspiration

On this Father’s Day, I thought it a fitting time to think about our Father. While it is customary to give our earthly fathers gifts on this day, let’s think about giving our Father the Creator a gift as well.

“Therefore, you shall pray in this way: Our Father, who art in heaven: hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our life-sustaining bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but free us from evil. Amen” – Matthew 6:9-13

How often have we said the Lord’s prayer without really thinking about what it is we are saying? I enjoy reading the Scripture and comparing the subtle differences between it and the prayer we are so familiar with. It helps me to think about what it is I’m saying.

I want to slow down a little bit, and focus on one small part of the prayer, “Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.” Saint Teresa of Avila encourages us to slow down a little when we are talking to the Creator of the universe. To speak to Him as if He is sitting before us, because He is.

There are three parts of the prayer that we have control over – Keeping the Father’s name holy, doing God’s will, and forgiving others. God is in control of the rest.

Imagine for a moment a world, where God’s will, and only His will is done. I could spend years thinking about that. How do we get to that place? The same way you eat an elephant I suppose, one bite at a time. With the help of Christ, I’ve committed to conforming my will to His. I’m not there yet, but I’m actively working toward it. That’s the first bite. Imagine if we all, took that bite every day to cast our will aside and adopt His instead of ours. As my will merges with His, I’ve found that the casting away of my will, has made forgiving others that much easier. It has made one of the other obligations Jesus gives us, forgiveness of others, possible.

“There are many intentions in the heart of a man. But the will of the Lord shall stand firm.” -Proverbs 19:21

Imagining a Godly world, makes me think of a well-known song. Sadly, John Lennon, spent his time imagining no Heaven and no Hell, living for today. Singing of man’s will, while missing the point that no Heaven is Hell and that we should be living for the LORD. Today, give our Father the thing He desires most. His child’s love. Let us do for the Father what Jesus asks of us, and then let Him handle the rest.

To all the dads out there, I wish you a very Happy and Blessed Father’s Day.

Ed