On this Father’s Day, looking at the meaning and intent of the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 offered our congregation insight into how we can strengthen our faith. We are God’s children, and He has given us a way of living that should glorify Him. The NIV verses read, “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.”

“Our Father in heaven” indicates that God is not only majestic and holy but also personal and loving. The first line of this model prayer is a statement of praise and a commitment to honor God’s holy name. God has given us a way of living, and we can honor his name by treating others as we want to be treated. As 2 Timo 3 tells us, Scripture is inspired by God, and “It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.”

It is outside our nature to think of others. We tend to think of ourselves first. But God has given us a purpose, and we can show the love of God by giving first and thinking of ourselves less. When we pray “your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” we are not resigning ourselves to fate but praying that God’s perfect purpose will be accomplished in this world as well as in the next. Think “give first” and “yourself second.”

God has also promised us that if we truly seek Him, we shall find Him. What we ask for, we will receive if we ask in His name. God has told us to give and then watch what happens. God will take care of you if you truly trust in Him. For some, “giving” is what we do with our excess or our “left-faith overs.” This, too, is counter to what God wants and expects. If we are truly trusting God, we give of our first fruits knowing that God will take care of us. James 1:5 instructs us, “If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you.”

We should always do things for the right reasons. Our intentions matter. This is a pattern that we can establish in our lives. Ephesians 5:1-2 tells us, “Follow God’s example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins.” Just as children imitate their parents, we should follow God’s example. His great love for us led him to sacrifice himself so that we might live. Our love for others should be of the same kind—a love that goes beyond self-serving affection.

“Do” first this week, knowing that you are acting in the Father’s will.