General Superintendent
Max Edwards
21, 2025
Our Father which 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 daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
(Adapted from Matthew 6:9-13, and Luke 11:1-4)
“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on Earth as it is in heaven.”
“Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” ~Luke 22:39-42
When we ponder the beautiful truth that this is the FIRST REQUEST in the Lord’s Prayer, we come to understand a key principle of kingdom living. Just as clay must be centered on the potter’s wheel before it can be shaped into something useful, we too must first be centered in God and his desire for our life. It can be said that this is not always the most comfortable step of faith, but unless we determine that God’s will and way is best for us, we close ourselves off from the joy unspeakable that accompanies that level of surrender and trust.
The writer of Psalm 91 is technically unknown, but is held by many to be either Moses, or David. No matter who authored it, the message of protection and peace is unmistakable:
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. (vss 1-4)
If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. (vss 9-11)
We should all take the time necessary to press into this aspect of the Lord’s prayer, surrendering our minds and bodies to his perfect will. Passing over it too quickly to get to the “… give us …” segment of the prayer misses a selfless surrender to the sovereignty of God. HE IS OUR REFUGE. HE IS OUR ARMOR. HE IS OUR SHELTER.
