Our Lord Concludes His Prayer
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
6/30/2013 AM
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Text:
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Psalm 115;
Lord's Day 52
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Psalters: |
177, 335, 375, 434 |
- Jesus teaches us to be conscious of three things as the basis for our prayer.
- First, God’s is the “kingdom,” i.e., He has all authority.
- In spite of what the devil says are his (Matt. 4:8,9), our heavenly Father is enthroned over all.
- God is King “forever.”
- God has the “power,” i.e. the ability to implement His authority and enforce His will.
- God’s power created, sustains, and directs all things physical in creation.
- Our Father is able to do exceeding abundantly (Eph. 3:20)!
- And He is alone worthy of the praise: “the glory.”
- God’s glory is the radiation from His perfect and infinite majesty, which includes all His perfect attributes.
- That our Father has the glory assures us that He works all for Himself.
- “For...” The basis for our requests is the fact that our Father possesses all authority, power, and glory.
- We prayed these petitions because God’s is the kingdom, power, and glory.
- With this conclusion we are assured that God can, does, and will answer our prayer.
- That we believe these truths shows that we have experienced God’s initial work of salvation in us.
- Aware of these truths, we are assured of God’s help as we continue our pilgrim walk in this world.
- And this conclusion serves as the motive for our life and walk on this earth.
- “Amen” expresses our confidence in praying this prayer (and all our prayers).
- “Amen” is a transliterated Hebrew word into Greek and then into English which means, “certain” or “true.”
- In the Old Testament it indicates a person’s solemn agreement to a truth or law (Num. 5:22; Deut. 27:15ff).
- In the New Testament it is used after declaration of blessings, praise, and prayers.
- By ending our prayers this way, we have two reasons for certainty.
- First, this is our solemn promise to God that we prayed sincerely.
- And this is a declaration of assurance that God will certainly hear and answer.
- “Amen” is a sign and seal to God and to us.