On Earth as it is in Heaven

By Sidharth Mohandas

Yesterday we had a look at our fish tank, and we noticed that some of the fish had died. We investigated what had caused this. Eventually we realized it happened because the water had become contaminated. Giving the fish more food wouldn’t help, nor would adding more oxygenating plants. What needed to be changed was the water; the entire system in which the fish existed. God follows the same principle in His Kingdom. He instructs us to pray for a total change of system. “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”  (Matthew 6:10). But why pray “Thy Kingdom come”? Is God being selfish? No, He’s being selfless, by sharing His Kingdom and its benefits with us (Luke 12:32). For we have been designed and structured for the Kingdom-life. When the Kingdom comes, every other benefit follows it (Matthew 6:33)

Abba is calling you and me first and foremost to fellowship with Him. Fellowship in the Greek language simply means “to be one” or “to share in common”. The Lord wants us to be one with Him, to take on His priorities, His likes, His dislikes, His thoughts, His plans and His desires. For by a divine principle, two cannot walk together without agreement (Amos 3:3). This was the essence of what was taught in the previous article. As we pursue His heart with singleness, our prayers gain singleness of purpose. And this purpose is to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:10 NIV)

Prayer, therefore, was instituted by God to fulfill this purpose in the“now”; to bring His governing influence on the earthly realm even as it is in His heavenly domain (Matthew 6:10). Its time for us to change the way we pray! It’s time for us to pray prayers that are Kingdom-oriented, rather than those that are “bless me” oriented! Now don’t get me wrong: by saying our prayers should be kingdom-oriented, I do not mean that we should be restrained in our talk with Abba. On the other hand, our prayers must be centred on things that promote kingdom reign. 

Let’s consider a case in the book of Acts:

And when they heard that they lifted up their voices together to God, and said, “Lord, You are God, which has made heaven, earth and sea and all that is in them: Who by the mouth of Your servant David has said, ‘Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up and the rulers were gathered against the Lord and against His Christ’. For of a truth against Your holy Child Jesus whom You have anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever Your hand and Your counsel determined before to be done. And now, Lord, consider their threats: and grant Your servants that with all boldness they speak Your Word, by stretching forth Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of Your holy Child Jesus” (Acts 4:24-30, emphasis mine)

The above passage is a prayer by the disciples recorded in the book of Acts, responding to threats towards them that they would be killed if they preached in the name of Jesus. Did you notice that in this six verse prayer, in only half a verse do they bring up their need? “Lord, consider their threats…” (Acts 4:29). That’s all! The rest of the prayer was focused on bringing God’s kingdom in power!

I encourage you to weigh your heart today. Where is your heart? What’re your prayers all about? Are they consumed by your needs? Better pay, better car, better house, better computer! Or are you consumed by your passion to see the Kingdom affect your home, your surroundings, your city, your nation?

Share on Facebook