One of the most common and well-known prayers in Christianity is the Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven….” When we pray this prayer, we ask that God’s Will be effected, realized, and manifested in our lives, “on earth,” as it were. Our prayer is that we, our entire lives, including all of our actions, be united with the Divine Will of our Heavenly Father. The mark of true and righteous Christians is not merely that they call upon the Lord and speak of him, but rather, that the divine is revealed in and through their very lives; the presence of Jesus himself is exposed through this cooperative work of one’s will and that of God’s as it is lived out in humility and love.
Jesus says in Matthew’s Gospel, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” (NAB, MT 7:21) Works don’t get us into heaven, but works certainly demonstrate our faith, and faith without works becomes mere words. True Christian discipleship is expressed in both faith and works, as the wings of our soul soaring toward heavenly heights.
Heavenly Father, increase my faith and increase my desire, fortitude, and courage to do your will. Give me the grace I need, so that I may live my Christian life to its fullest in both faith and works. All that I have comes from you, and I can do nothing without you. In my humility, may my life give you glory, honor, and praise. Amen.
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