‘Lord’s Prayer’ is a prayer for all Christians and for the church

Last Sunday we had a treat in worship. St. John member Hunter Richards preached on the assigned Epistle lesson, Romans 8:28-39. Not only was I blessed by Hunter’s sharing of God’s word, but I had many people share with me what a good job Hunter did and that they were blessed, too.

Hunter has just finished his vicarage, his year of internship, on the long educational road to being certified as a pastor. Next May, Hunter will graduate after eight years of college and seminary and should receive a call to serve as pastor in a church. But, Hunter is not the only St. John member finishing their studies to serve in God’s church. Brittany Arlow has just finished a year of internship in Florida as a Director of Christian Education. After another year of schooling she will be available to serve the Lord in a congregation. We are truly blessed to have two young people from St. John who will serve in the church to bring the good news of Jesus to others in the coming years.

But, did you ever consider what the church in which Hunter and Brittany will serve will look like? Our country is changing rapidly. The change in our country is also affecting the church and the way God’s church does its ministry. But, we shouldn’t be surprised. Jesus promised that his church would endure (Matthew 16:18), but he also promised hatred and persecution for God’s people as they do God’s work. (John 15:18)

Matthew 6 is just one example of where Jesus teaches his people to pray for the church and it’s work. This section of Scripture is what we now call, “The Lord’s Prayer.”

“This, then, is how you should pray: “’Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’” (Matthew 6:9-13)

Have you thought recently that the prayer Jesus taught us is as much a prayer for his Church and the work of the church as it is for each of us individually? We don’t pray, “my Father,” we pray “our Father.” We don’t pray “give me my daily bread,” we pray “give us today our daily bread.” When we pray this prayer Jesus taught us we are praying for all Christians and for God’s work among us.

And, when we pray, “your kingdom come” we are asking God to spread the good news of Jesus, to spread faith, and to spread forgiveness and eternal life throughout the world. We are praying for God’s church and the work God has given his Church to do. But the work of sharing that we are all sinners in need the Savior God has sent has always been difficult.

Thank you, Hunter and Brittany, for being willing to serve Jesus in his Church. We will continue to pray for all Christians as together we serve the Lord. And we will specifically pray for each of you.

Jonathan Rockey is pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer. Contact him at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.

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