TheLord'sPrayer:ExplainedandApplied

byWilhelmusàBrakel

TableofContents

Introduction

OurFather,WhichArtinHeaven

HallowedByThyName

ThyKingdomCome

GiveUsThisDayOurDailyBread

Forgiveusourdebtsasweforgiveourdebtors

AndLeadusnotintoTemptation,butDeliverusfromEvil

TheConclusionoftheLord'sPrayer

Introduction

Inthepreviouschapterwehavedealtwithprayeringeneral,consideringits nature, required internal qualifications, externals, necessity, andbeneficialnature.Wemustnowshowthesupplicantwhatthemattersareforwhichheoughttoprayandtheorderinwhichhemustprayforthem.This has been defined for us by the Lord Jesus in the prayer He hasprovided for us upon the request of the disciples. This is generallyreferredtoasTheLord'sPrayer,andisrecordedinMatt6:9-13andLuke11:2-4.Matthewrecordsitwithaconclusion,whereasLukeomitsit.This

isnottosuggestthattheLordJesusdidnotaddthis,butisanindicationthatitwasonlyHisintenttogiveanorderlypresentationofthosematterswhich are to beprayed for. For the same reason, the evangelists,whenrelatingidenticalmatters,dosoeitherinamoreelaborateorabbreviatedform. The one evangelist writes about thismatter and the other aboutdivergentmatters,as theywerenotallpresent togetheratalloccasionswhenJesuseitherspokeorperformedsomething.Furthermore,theLordJesushassaidandperformedmanymorethingsthancouldallhavebeenrecorded. "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, thewhich,iftheyshouldbewritteneveryone,Isupposethateventheworlditself couldnot contain thebooks that shouldbewritten" (John21:25).However,whathasbeenrecordedissufficient"thatyemightbelievethatJesusistheChrist,theSonofGod;andthatbelievingyemighthavelifethrough His Name" (John 20:31). The papists quote this prayer fromLuke without the conclusion, and we do so from Matthew with theconclusion.

ARuleandExampleforOurPrayer

TheLordJesushasgiventhisprayerasaruleandexampletowhichwemustconformourprayersasfarasmattersandorder;thatis,inregardtothe priority of eachmatter, such being themanner inwhichwe are todesire them. It is, however, not mandatory that we repeat this prayerverbatim. The apostles, in their recorded prayers, have never repeatedthisprayerwordforword.Wemayindeedpraythisprayer,bothinpublicmeetingsaswellasprivately;however,wearenotobligatedtodoso.Wemustnotbeoftheopinionthat,uponhavingrecitedthis,wehaveutteredamore holy prayer than ifwe had used our ownwords. This prayer isperfectinandofitself;however,hewhoprayshasnotprayedperfectlybymerely having recited this prayer. If we do not have a correctunderstandingofeachpetition—yes,eachword—ifwedonothaveaholyandconsciousdesireforeachmatter,andneverthelessreciteit,thenitisavainuseofGod'sName.ItisamockingwithGod,asifHewereservedwith that rattlingoff ofwords, themeaningofwhich isnotunderstoodandbywhichone'sdesiresarenotexpressed—evenifoneweretohaveageneral opinion that he were praying to God. God demands the heart.Prayer is the expression of holy desires before God, and thus praying

mustbedoneinspiritandintruth."Iwillpraywiththespirit,andIwillpray with the understanding also" (1 Cor 14:15). For a betterunderstanding of this prayer we must distinguish between the variousparts.This spiritual prayer is robbedof itsmeaning, and it is a blatantdistortion of the Word of this majestic God to divide this prayer intosevenfabricatedperiodsortime-frames.Itisthenpresupposedthatsomematters are already past and should no longer be prayed for, whereasotherswouldasyetbefutureanddonottranspireinourtime.Onlyonematter would relate to the present; however, which one this would becannotbedetermined.Thentherewould indeedbenothingtobefoundfor the spiritual needs of each individual. However, it can at once beobserved that thereare threedivisions: 1) theaddress;2) thepetitions;and 3) the conclusion. The petitions can in turn also be divided asfollows:

(1)There is themost eminentmatterwhich is tobe theobjectiveof allthat is tobedesired(thisbeingthefirstpetition),andthemeanswhicharetobedesiredtothatend(whicharethefivesubsequentpetitions);or(2)inthreematterswepetitionrelativetoGodandthreewhichrelatetoourselvesandourneighbor.

THEADDRESS

"OurFather,WhichArtinHeaven!"

Prayerrequiresthatweturntothepersonfromwhomwewishtopetitionsomething. Since we are requesting matters in prayer which none cangivebutGod,thesupplicantsthusturnthemselvestoGod,theFatheroflights,fromwhomdescendseverygoodandperfectgift.WeacknowledgeHimastheonlyOneworthyofworship,beforewhomwebowourselveswiththedeepesthumility,beingdesiroustodosowithourwholeheart.Then we shall worship Him with all reverence, giving Him honor andglory, even if we did not need to request anything from Him. Since,however,wearealwaysinneedofsomething,wethusturntoGodasthefountainofallthatweare,ofallthatwehavereceived,andofallthatwedesire to receive.We shall shrink back from requesting anything fromanyone else—indeed, we shall not do so. When requesting somethingfromman,wearerequestingitbothfromGodandfrommanasameans

inGod'shand,hebeingunderGod'scommand.ThesupplicantholdsGodbeforehimasbeingomniscient,whoknowsandperceiveswhatourneedsanddesiresareandwhohearstheprayerfulsupplicant.HenotesHimasbeingtheomnipotentOne,whocangivewhatwedesire—whetherornotthemeansareathand—yes,whocandomorethanweprayfor,purelybytheexerciseofHiswill.HenotesGodasbeinggood—notonlytoallmenindoing themgoodby filling theirheartswith foodandgladness: "TheLord is good to all: andHis tendermercies are over allHisworks" (Ps145:9), but toward His children in Christ, manifesting a fatherly andunfathomable goodness. He rejoices in doing well to them and Hedelights inmercy.Hesaystothem,"CalluponMeinthedayof troubleand Iwill answer thee; open thymouthwide, and I shall fill it; letMehearthyvoice,foritissweet."HenotesGodasbeingfaithful—astheOnewho fulfills all His promises to His children, the heirs of promise,particularlythefollowing:"AndwhatsoeveryeshallaskinMyname,thatwill I do" (John 14:13); "What things soever ye desire, when ye pray,believethatyereceivethem,andyeshallhavethem"(Mark11:24).Suchis the nature of God, and God deals with His children accordingly.ThereforethesupplicantmustalsoacknowledgeHimtobethusifheistoplease the Lord and have freedom in prayer. The act of prayerdemonstratesthatweacknowledgetheLordtobethus,forotherwisewewouldnotfleetoHim.However,alivelyacknowledgmentbegetsalivelyprayer.Notonlydoes thesupplicant turn toGodassuchaOne,buthealsoaddressestheLordbyusinganamewhicheitherfitsthedispositionofthesoultowardGod,theneedwhichwepresentlyhave,orthedesirefor a prayerful disposition, marked by both reverence and faith. Thesaintshaveusedvariousaddresses,suchas:"Lord,""OhLordGodofmysalvation,""Lordmystrength,""MyGod,""ThouLordthesearcheroftheheart,""ThouarttheGodwhohasmadeheavenandearth,"and"OhholyandfaithfulLord."TheLordJesusgenerallyusedtheaddressFather,andMyFather inHis prayers, and teachesus also to addressGodwith thename Father. This is not to suggest that we may not use a differentaddress, for the saints in the Old and New Testaments have generallyusedothers.However, thenameFather is themost intimate,congenial,soul-moving, and lovely name—which engenders the greatest reverenceand confidence. Such is the privilege the Lord Jesus affords believers:TheymayaddressthemajesticandlivingGodwiththenameFather.

TheThreefoldFatherhoodofGod

GodisdenominatedasFatherindifferentrespects.

(1)HeisFatherbyvirtueofeternalgeneration,andthusinreferencetoGodtheSon."ThouartMySon;thisdayhaveIbegottenThee"(Ps2:7).(2) He is Father by virtue of creation and preservation, and thus inreferencetotheangelsandallmen.TheheathenreferredtoGodassuch.AdamthusbecomestheSonofGod(Luke3:38),andtheangelsarecalledthechildrenofGod(Job38:7). It is fromthisperspective thatweread,"HavewenotalloneFather?hathnotoneGodcreatedus"(Mal2:10);"AFatherofthefatherless...isGodinHisholyhabitation"(Ps68:5).Whenitisusedassuch,however,thenameFathercannotgiveanycomfort,butit will instill terror due toman having fallen away fromHim andGodhaving become a wrathful avenger in consequence of sin. (3) He is aFather by virtue of adoption. God has eternally purposed to adopt theelectintimeasHischildren."HavingpredestinatedusuntotheadoptionofchildrenbyJesusChristtoHimself"(Eph1:5).Inconsequenceofthispurpose He regenerates them and grants them spiritual life, therebymaking themchildrenofGod. "Which (God's children)wereborn ... ofGod"(John1:13);"OfHisownwillbegatHeuswith thewordof truth"(James1:18).TheseHeleadstoHisSonJesusChrist,grantingthemfaithwhereby they receive Him to be their ransom and righteousness, andenterintoaspiritualmarriage-covenantwithJesus.TheyarethusunitedwithHim, the Father of the Bridegroom, and he thereby also becomestheirFather. "But asmanyas receivedHim, to themgaveHepower tobecomethesonsofGod"(John1:12);"ForyeareallthechildrenofGodbyfaithinChristJesus"(Gal3:26).ItiswiththisinmindthattheLordJesussays,"IascenduntoMyFather,andyourFather"(John20:17).TheGod and Father of Christ and believers is one and the same, but indifferent respects. Since believers are the children of God and havereceivedtheSpiritofadoption, theycryout, "Abba,Father" (Rom8:15;Gal4:6).Thisnameengendersinthebelieverlove,liberty,comfort,andconfidence.

TheUseoftheFatherName:ThePracticeofBelieversinBothOldandNewTestaments

The use of the Father name does not stand in contradistinction to thepractice of Old Testament believers—as if they could not address GodwiththeFathername.FortheyalsowerebornofGod,possessedfaithinChrist,andhadtheSpiritofChrist(Ps51:11)bywhomtheywereled(Ps143:10); God was their Father (Mal 1:6). "Is not He thy Father" (Deut32:6)?TheywerethechildrenofGod:"Ihavenourishedandbroughtupchildren"(Isa1:2);"YearethechildrenoftheLordyourGod"(Deut14:1).They also addressedGodwith the name "Father": "Wilt thou not fromthistimecryuntoMe,MyFather,Thouart theguideofmyyouth"(Jer3:4); "Doubtless Thou art our Father. ... Thou,OLord, art our Father"(Isa63:16);"Butnow,OLord,ThouartourFather"(Isa64:8).Itisthusaprivilegewhichallbelievingmembersofthecovenantofgraceofalltimeshave,andnotaprivilegeofNewTestamentbelieversonly.WhentheLordJesus taught his disciples to say "Father," the Old Testamentdispensation, as well as the ceremonial service, were still in force. Theword "Father" is sometimes used to designate the essence of theGodhead; that is, in reference to a triuneGod: "... theFather of lights"(James 1:17); "Havewenot all oneFather" (Mal 2:10). Sometimes it isused in a personal sense, referring to the first Person in the divineessence, or rather, God as existing in the first Person. For we cannotextract a divine Person from the divine essence and view Himindependently.However,wecandistinguishbetweentheessenceandthePerson. This is how the "Father" is to be understood in the followingpassages: "For this cause I bowmy knees unto the Father of our LordJesus Christ" (Eph 3:14); "My Father is the husbandman" (John 15:1).Question#1:Howistheword"Father"intheaddresstobeunderstood?Answer:Notinreferencetocreationandpreservation,norinreferencetoeternalgeneration,butinreferencetoadoption,forthesupplicantcomeswithachildlikedisposition.

Question #2: Must the word "Father" be understood in itsessentialorpersonalsense?

Answer:Thesupplicant,beingstirreduptoprayanddirected inprayerby theHoly Spirit (the Spirit of prayer, who intercedeswith groaningsthatcannotbeuttered)approachestheFatherthroughtheSon,andthusapproaches God Himself as He exists in the first Person without

exclusion of the Son and the Holy Spirit. We must refrain fromattempting to comprehend the incomprehensible and frommaking toogreat a separation between the Persons and the divine essence. Thiscausessomeconfusion in themindsof somebeginners ingrace,as if itwouldbeaconcerntotheonePersonifoneofthethreedivinePersonswereaddressedmorethananother.Wemustproceed insimplicityhereandbeledbytheSpirittogototheFatherthroughtheSonasMediator,andthusworshipandaddresstheoneandeternalGod.TheLordJesusdoesnot only teachus to addressGodwith thename "Father," butHeadds the relative and possessive pronoun "our": our Father. Since theword"Father"pertainstograciousadoption,regeneration,betrothal,andunionwiththeLordJesus—theSonofGod—byfaith,thentheword"our"mustnotbeunderstoodtorefertoallmen,butonlytotheregenerated,believingchildrenofGod.Anunconvertedperson isnotachildofGod,and thus he also cannot address God with the name "Father." Eventhough he is God's creature, God thus being his Father by virtue ofcreation,theuseoftheword"Father"canrenderhimneithercomfortnorlibertytoapproachuntoGodassuch,forsinhasfullyseparatedhimfromGodandHis favor, andhas subjectedhim to thewrathofGod, so thatGodisaconsumingfireandaterroruntohim.ThereisnoapproachuntoGod except through Christ. Since the unconverted person is withoutChrist, he can therefore not come untoGod and addressHimwith thename"Father."Thebelievingsupplicantdoesnotincludeonlyhimselfintheword"our,"butheincludesalltruebelievers—thosewhomheknowsandthosewhomhedoesnotknow.HeisamemberofthechurchofGodofwhichGod is the Father. "And (I)will be a Father unto you, and yeshallbeMysonsanddaughters, saith theLordAlmighty" (2Cor6:18).He thus includes the entire churchofGodwhenhe says, "OurFather,"and thereby demonstrates his love to all themembers of God's family,expressing his faith that God is his portion, that he is permitted toaddress Him as Father, is a member of the family of God, and hascommunionwithallthesaints.

Question #3:Maywe not, when praying in solitude, say "myFather"insteadof"ourFather"?

Answer:TheLordJesushasnotfurnishedusthisprayersoastouseits

wordsverbatim.Abeliever,wheninsecret,frequentlypraysforhimself,andthenhemayalsospecificallysay"myFather"asElihudid:"MydesireisthatJobmaybetrieduntotheend"(Job34:36).

Question #4: Howmust a weak believer proceed who is notassured that God isHis Father?May he skip thewords "ourFather"?

MusthethinkofGodashisFatherbycreation?Mayhesayinawishfulsense, "Oh, that thouwouldst bemy Father"? Answer: The supplicant,whileinhiscloset,isnotlimitedtothewordsofthisprayer,butmayuseandpresenthisownwordsasbestasheknowshow.NoprayerispleasingtoGod,norshallitbeheard,exceptitbeofferedinfaith.Theessenceoffaithdoesnotconsistinassurance,however,butintheentrustingofoursoul to Jesus, He being our ransom and righteousness. The supplicantknows that there isnootherway toapproachuntoGodexcept throughChrist.Heapprovesofthisway,desiresnootherway,choosesthisway,and inhis approachhasChrist in view—be it in ahabitualor anactivesense.Helongsfor,praysto,yearnsfor,receives,andsurrendershimselftoHim.Beingthusexercised,heperceivesthathehasanaversionfor,isgrieved by, and is greatly burdened by sin. Moreover, he longs anddesires toobey theLord inallsimplicity, love,and filial fear, thisbeingtheobjectivehealsopursues. Ifhewere togiveageneral evaluationofonethusexercised,hewouldadmitthatsuchapersonisatruebelieverand may freely call God "Father." However, due to perceiving hisdarkness, slothfulness, and continual sinning, he does not dare to callGod his Father, even though he perceives the aforementioned matterswithinhimself.Suchapersonmustputhisunbeliefaside,hold this fortruth,andesteemGodtobehisFatherasbeingtheOnewhohasgivenhimthisdispositionandthesefruits.TocallGod"Father"inprayerdoesnotproceedfromassurance,butratherfromtheirjudgmentandheartfeltdesires.Yes, theseconcernsandwrestlingsareaproofof lifeand faith.SinceinsuchapersonthereisnotonlylovetowardtheLordJesus,butalso to allHismembers and toHis church, he includes themall in hisprayer, and thereforenot only says "Father," "myFather," but also ourFather.

TheSignificanceofthePhrase"WhichArtinHeaven"

TheLord Jesus causes us furthermore to say, "which art in heaven." Itmust be noted here that it says "heavens"22 and not heaven as in thethirdpetition.Hereby the following is conveyed:First, "in theheavens"doesnotrefertoalocation,forGodisinfinite.Hefillsheavenandearthandinfinitelyexceedsthem."Behold,theheavenandheavenofheavenscannot containThee" (1Kings8:27). Secondly, "theheavens" also doesnot refer to the third heaven, which is the abode of holy angels andglorifiedsaints,theparadiseofGod,thehouseoftheFather,thethroneofGod,andtheplacewhereGod'sgloryisseen.Thethirdpetitionreferstothis,butsuchisnottruehere.Mentionismadehereof"theheavens,"andthisincludesalltheheavens.Thesupplicantisthusnotlimitedtoalocal perception of the third heaven, but rather it lifts the supplicantabove the edifice of heaven and earth—all of which vanishes from theheartandeyeofthesupplicantassomethinginsignificant.ItcausesustoviewGodastheinfiniteOne;asmostmajestic,glorious,omnipotent,andinvisible;andastheOnewhodwellsinunapproachablelight,whocoversHimselfwithlightaswithagarment.BoththenatureandthedispositionofthesaintsteachthemtoviewGodassuchinprayer,withaliftingupofthe heart and eye on high (without thinking of a locality) untoGod asbeing invisible and all-seeing. There is no contrast here between thesupplicants of the Old and New Testaments—between Jerusalem, thetemple,theHolyofHolies,andthethirdheaven.It isnotsothatintheOldTestamenttheyhadtosay,"OhGod,whodwellestinJerusalemandbetween the cherubim," and that we in the New Testament maystraightwaygotoGodandsay,"OurFatherwhichartinheaven."Foralsoin the Old Testament supplicants lifted up heart and eye to God inheaven:"Mineeyesfailwithlookingupward:OLord"(Isa38:14);"Letuslift up our heartwith our hands untoGod in the heavens" (Lam3:41);"UntoTheeliftIupmineeyes,OThouthatdwellestintheheavens"(Ps123:1).TheyprayedthatGodwouldlookdownuponthemfromheaven:"Lookdownfromheaven,andbeholdfromthehabitationofThyholinessandofThyglory"(Isa63:15),andGodheardthemfromheaven:"Hewillhear him from His holy heaven" (Ps 20:6). In this they are on equalfooting with New Testament believers and it removes the thought thatthere isadistinctionbetween theOldandNewTestaments in this text.The fact that they prayerfully turned their countenances toward

Jerusalem,saying,"OShepherdofIsrael. ...Thouthatdwellestbetweenthe cherubims, shine forth" (Ps 80:1), indicates that in prayer theyapproacheduntoGod through theMessiah.Theyprayed inHisname—He being depicted by themercy seat, which was overshadowed by thewingsofthecherubim.Likewise,weintheNewTestament,whenprayinginHisName,donotapproachuntoGodinanyotherwaybutthroughtheMediator.SincetheythusinbothcasesapproacheduntoGodbywayofthesacrificeoftheHighPriestJesusChrist—whothenhadtocomeandnow has come—they were both pleasing to God and were heard, Godbeingpleasedwith thesacrificeofHisSon. "This isMybelovedSon, inwhomIamwellpleased"(Matt17:5).

TheAddressRendersLibertyandReverence

With divine wisdom the Lord Jesus conjoins these two matters in theaddress:"Father,ourFather,whichartinheaven(Dutch:theheavens)."The word "Father" gives liberty to lay before and to unveil to God, asFather, in an intimatemanner our needs and desires—and to pray fortheir fulfillment. And, lest we lose our reverence and awe due to suchintimacy,wemustaddtothistheawe-inspiringexpression,"whichartinheaven."However,lestwebefearfultoapproachduetoouraweforHislofty majesty, we add the word "Father" to it. Filial freedom andreverencemustgohandinhand.Finally,wesay"our"toexpressourloveforGod'schildren.

TheLordJesusthusteachesusthatwearetouseanappropriateaddressinourprayers.IfweaddressGodoutofformandcustomwithacertainname which so happens to come across our lips—without a consciousacknowledgmentofGod,ourselves,andtheconditioninwhichweare—itshows that as supplicants we are void of spirituality, for it is sinful tobeginprayerinsuchamanner.Wemustalsonotoccupyourselvesforatime considering by which name we shall address God. This generallycauses a prayerful disposition to vanish. If, however, the supplicantseparates himself from everything and turns to God, such a prayerfuldisposition will engender a fitting address—be it by considering God'sgoodness,omnipotence,mercy,truthfulness,holiness,glory,andmajesty—orelseourneed,fear,oranxietywillsuggestafittingaddresswhichwillbringoursouleitherintoaprayerfulframeorfurtherenhancethisframe.

However, ifnoparticularnamecomestomind,thenbeat liberty,uponthecommandoftheLordJesus,toaddressGodas"ourFatherwhichartinheaven."

TheBeliever'sApproachtotheFather

Generally,anattentiveandprayerfulframewillbringforthasighandonewill begin with "oh!" If you are in the company of people, you mustrefrainyourselfsothatyoursighingvoicewillnotbeheardbyothers;thiswill hinder them. Such sighs must also not be feigned, for that ishypocrisy.Thesesighsmustalsonotbetheresultoftheconditionofthebody;theyarenotrelatedtoprayer.Theymustalsonotbetheresultofpretenseorcustom.Thisbelongstotherealmofroutine,whichoughttohavenopartinprayeratall.Instead,suchasighmustbethevoiceofthesoulandproceedfromtheHolySpirit,who"maketh intercessionforuswithgroaningswhichcannotbeuttered"(Rom8:26).

(1) Sometimes the soul is so overcome with either sorrow, physicalsorrow, or soul's grief, that she cannot utter one word. She presentsherself before the Lord, however, and pours out her heart before theomniscientOnewithaheartfeltsigh—withthevoiceofaturtledove.ThisispleasingtoHim,andtheLord,knowingthemindoftheSpirit,insistsonhearingit:"OMydove...letMehearthyvoice;forsweetisthyvoice"(Song2:14).

(2)Sometimes the soul is empty. She is tense,desirous topray,butnomatters come tomind, anddesires for a givenmatter areneither livelynordo theystirup thesoul.Whatmustshedo?Leavehercloset?Thatshe cannot do, for she knows that she lacks everything. And if there isnothinginparticular,asighcomesforthoutofheremptinesswhichcriesforfulfillment—asighwhichGodunderstandswell.

(3) Sometimes the soul is focused so intently upon a desired spiritualmatter, having such profound insight in it, and her desires being sointense,thatshecannotfindwordstoexpressthoseinexpressiblemattersanddesires.Therefore,shecannotdootherwisethanmakethisknownbywayofasighwhichexpressesfarmorethanmanywordscoulddo.

(4) Sometimes the soul is in a sinful condition. She would desire toapproach,butsheisashamed,doesnotdaretocome,andhidesherself.She crawls, so to speak, to the throne of grace, having no courage tospeak.She then letsherselfbeheardbyquiet sighs,whichat timesareaccompaniedwithquiet tears—thisbeingadelightfulmanifestationofapenitentsoul.Eventhoughthesupplicantmayusevariousaddresses inprayer,thereisnonesosweet,sosoul-stirring,andsobeneficialassaying"Father," "myFather,"and"ourFather."When thesupplicant,by faith,engageshimselfinmeditationupontheword"Father,"andviewsitfromGod'sperspective,hisownperspective,andall that iscomprehended inthatrelationship,thiscanthenbringthesoulintoecstasyandcausehertoloseherselfinadoration.

Thesupplicantseeshimselfasawormand,moreover,asonewho issosinfulwithinandwithout, sodespicable,hateful,anddamnable thatnoone could even cast an eye of pity upon him. It is thus due to thewondrouslongsufferingofGodthathehasnotlongsincebeencastintohell already. To think that he has been delivered from the eternaldestruction inwhich themajorityofmen,whoarenoworse thanhe is,sinkaway!Andbeyondthat,tothinkthathehasbeenadoptedasachildof God—adopted to be an heir of God and a fellow-heir of Christ ineternalglory!Thattranscendsallthecomprehensionofbothangelsandmen.TothinkthathemayaddressGodbythename"Father,"and"myFather"!

When the supplicant focusesuponGod,whomhemay call Father, andconsidersGodinHismajesty,glory,holiness,andfullnessofperfection;whenheconsidersfurthermorethatGod,inallthatHeis,isthereforhimsothathemightbefilled,satisfied,andbemadejoyfulintheonlyblessedGod;andwhenhe finallyconsiders thathe isapartakerofall felicity—this cannot be comprehended to all eternity. This is able to bring thesupplicant into such ecstasy, that body and soul are not capable ofenduringthewondrousgoodnessofGod;thesoulwouldbeoverwhelmeddue to astonishment and joy, and the spiritwould succumb.When thesupplicantreflectsupontherelationshipinwhichheistoGod,andGodtohim,hemustexclaim,"ThisistheLord'sdoing;itismarvellousinoureyes"(Ps118:23).For,ifGodishisFather,thenGodhaslovedhimwith

an eternal and fatherly love. Then God's omnipotent, faithful, andfatherlyeyeisuponhimtoprotecthimagainstallevil,toprovideforhiminalltheneedsofbodyandsoul,andtocauseallthingstoworkforgoodfor him. Likewise, God's fatherly tenderness and mercy are engagedtowardhimtohavepityuponhimwhenhecomesintocircumstancesofmisery,need,anddeath.Godthusmakeshimanheirofallthebenefitsofthecovenantofgrace.GodwillthereforehearhimashisFatherwhenhecallsuponHim."Ifyethen,beingevil,knowhowtogivegoodgiftsuntoyourchildren,howmuchmoreshallyourFatherwhichisinheavengivegood things to them that ask Him" (Matt 7:11). If the Lord does notimmediatelygivewhatwedesire,HewilldoitatatimewhichisbestforusandHewillgivethatwhichistoourbenefit.ItisfatherlylovewhenHegives and it is fatherly love when He withholds. And you—entrusteverything fully to your Father without fear and concern. As a child,honoryourFather: fearHim,loveHim,andobeyandserveHimwithawillingsoul.

Behold,allthis—andmorethanweareabletoexpress—isincludedinthisaddress.Therefore,attentivelymakeuseofthisinfaith,andthusproceedtothemattersyouaretopray forascomprehended inthe followingsixpetitions.

THEFIRSTPETITION

HallowedBeThyName

The goal stimulates the worker, defines what means he will use, andrenders the use of grievous means easy. The irrational animals, eventhough they are not acquainted with the goal, are driven by a naturalinstincttowardthegoalsetforthembyGod,andknowwhichmeanstouse unto that end. Rational man, however, prior to undertakingsomething, has something in mind which he desires to have. Thisbecomes the goal he wishes to attain. In proportion to how necessary,beneficial,anddesirabletheattainmentofthatgoalistohim,sointensewillhisuseofthemeansbe.Astrueasthisisinthenaturalrealm,sotrueisitinthespiritualrealm.Inproportiontosomeone'sacquaintancewithand love for spiritual matters, so slothful or zealous he will be. Inaccordancewith thishewilleithernotbeable toseparatehimself from

theworld,or itwillbeeasy forhimto forsaketheworldandtomakeawholehearted resolution to only seek the Lord Jesus unto justificationandsanctification,aswellasthatHemightbehislifeandjoy.

Ourultimategoalisprimaryinourconsiderationsandcomeslastintheexecutionofourplans.Atfirstapersonhasaparticularmatterinview.Thishepursues;hefocusesuponit;hehasnothinginmindbeyondthat.Themeanswhichheuses toobtain suchamatter inandof themselvesarenotrelatedtothevariousgoalswhichhepursues.However,hisuseofthemeansisnottheendofthematter;ratherheusesthatwhichhehasattained to attain something else. In turn, he uses this again to attainsomething else. He thus proceeds until he can enjoy the matter heoriginallyhad in view; at thatpointhis activity terminates.This is alsoapplicable in thespiritualrealm.Thiswillenableyoutodeterminehowsincere or insincere you are in the pursuit of your objective, aswell ashowandforwhatreasonsthemeansareused.

TheObjectiveofThisPetition

In this prayer the Lord Jesus teaches what the ultimate goal must bewhichwearetoholdbeforeus,whatourprimarydesiremustbe,andtheendwemustdesireandpresentintheotherpetitions.

Question:Itisacertaintythatourultimategoalistheprimaryobjectiveofourpursuit,andthattheLordJesusinthefirstpetitionestablishestheglorification of God's name as the goal as to why we are to desire theother petitions. Is the desire for, and the seeking after, our deliveranceand salvation (that is, of conversion, faith, and holiness,without beingmotivated to that end purely and alone by the love for and having asobjective the glorification of God's name) not sinful self-love, andthereforemust be neglected until we have first received a love for theglorification of God? Ought not that love and that objective alonemotivateustoseekforourdeliveranceandsalvation?

Answer #1: If someone has eternal salvation as his objective—withouthavingany furtherobjective—and inorder toattain this seeks theLordJesusunto justificationandsanctificationbyavarietyofmeanssuchasheartfeltprayerandsupplicationstoGod,theexerciseoffaith,anactive

opposing of sin, and the exercise of godliness, then his activity isgovernedby thegroundrulementionedabove.Salvation is theprimaryobjectiveofhispursuit,andheusesmeanstoobtainthis—thisbeinghisultimategoal.

Answer #2: This prayer is perfect as far as substance and order areconcerned.Inorderforsomeonetopraythisperfectly,hemustbeperfecthimself. In this life no one is perfect, however, and thereforeno one isable toprayperfectly.What then is tobedone?Musthe then, inordernot to sin, refrain from praying because his prayer and actions aredeficientandpollutedwithsin?Absolutelynot,forotherwiseallreligionwould cease. However, it is true that his prayer and works cannot beplacedontheregisterofperfectvirtues.Hecantherebyneitherapproachunto God, exist before Him, nor obligate God to hear his prayer. Theuprightness of his objective, and his activity issuing forth from thisobjective in pursuing this ultimate goal, are pleasing to God, for hepursues this goal and is active with Christ in view; and his activity isspiritualandhasspiritualvitality.Godwillhearthisdeficientprayer,notbecause of the virtues to be found in it, but according to His fatherlygoodnessandpromiserootedinthesatisfactionofChrist.

Thirdly, if someone isasyetnotacquaintedwith thisultimatepurpose,thatis,theglorificationofGod'sName,andisnotmotivatedoutofloveforthisbutonlyhashissalvationandeternalsecurityinview,thenhehassomethinginviewwhichGodcommands."Workoutyourownsalvationwithfearandtrembling"(Phil2:12);"WhatmustIdotobesaved"(Acts16:30). Salvationwas the objective and the apostle directed him to themeanswherebythisistobeobtained:"BelieveontheLordJesusChrist,andthoushaltbesaved"(vs.31).Apersonwhoislikewiseseekingtobesaved, and to that end endeavors to repent and to believe in the LordJesus,isnotactiveinanentirelycorrectsense,butneitherishisactivitywrong. It is God's will that he endeavor to be saved and that he enterupon theway of believing inChrist.Whenhe does this, he pleases theLordandHepromisestograntsalvationtosuchpersons.

Answer#4:Goddoesnot leadHischildreninsuchawaythattheywillfirsthavealovefortheglorificationofGod'sNameandthatnothingbutloveandthepursuanceofthisgoalengagesthemtoseektheirsalvation

untorepentanceandfaith.Irepeat,GoddoesnotleadHischildreninthisway.Neverhavetheprophetsortheapostlesguidedtheirpupilsinsuchadirection.Hewhoteachessuchawayandwishestoleadothersintothatway,revealsthathehimselfisbutinthestateofnatureandthatthewayof salvation is hidden for him. As a blind guide hemisleads the soulswhichcomeunderhiscare,forinthatwaytheywillneverbesaved.Neverwillanyoneattainthehighestlevelofholinessifhedoesnotbeginatthelowestlevel.Wedonotbeginwiththehigheststepandthendescendtothe lowest step; instead, we begin with the lowest and ascend to thehighest.

Answer#5:Aspiritualandwisefather,whoisgoingtoteachhischildtoreadandwrite,willnotendeavorfirsttocausehischildtobeacquaintedwithanddelightintheglorificationofGod'sNameinorderthathewouldtherebybemotivatedtolearnhowtoread.Heknowsthatsuchisbeyondthe reachof the intellect of a child.LikewiseGod leadsHis children inaccordancewiththeircomprehension.FirstHeputsthemonthelowestrunginordertoleadthemhigherstepbystep.Abeginneringrace,eventhough he is not motivated by a desire for the glorification of God'sName,isneverthelessnotopposedtothis.Rather,heapprovesofthisinaccordancewiththemeasureinwhichthisispresentedtohimandcanbecomprehended by him. Yes, time and again he ends in this when hethanksGodforthatwhichhehasenjoyed.

Whenwepray,"HallowedbeThyName,"thenwemustnotimaginethatweareprayingonbehalfoftheLord,asifwecouldcontributeanythingtohim,andasifbyhallowingHisNamewecouldincreaseHisglory.TodosowouldbetodishonorGod,forHeisperfectandall-sufficient."Neitheris (He) worshiped withmen's hands, as though He needed any thing"(Acts 17:25); "Mygoodness extendethnot toThee" (Ps 16:2); "Is it anypleasure to theAlmighty, that thou art righteous? or is it gain toHim,thatthoumakestthywaysperfect"(Job22:3).ItisnotGod'sfelicity,butratherman'sthatheknows, loves,serves,andpraisesGod.It isagracethathemaydoso,anditwillbethehighestpurposeandfelicityofhislifeifheispermittedtodosoandinactualitydoesthis.Thefollowingistobenoted in thewordsof the firstpetition: 1) theobject:ThyNameand2)thedesiredactivity:behallowed.

TheObjectofthisPetition

Theobjectis"ThyName."Anameisawordwherebywedistinguishonethingfromsomethingelsewhenwespeakofit.Everypersonhashisownname. Theword "name" sometimes signifies a person. "Thenumber ofnames ( ) together were about an hundred andtwenty"(Acts1:15).Eachpersonhashisownnameandthusthereareasmanynames as there are persons. Therefore thenameofGod signifiesGodHimself."AndtheIsraelitishwoman'ssonblasphemedthenameoftheLord, and cursed" (Lev24:11); "What isHisname, andwhat isHisSon'sname, if thoucansttell"(Prov30:4).ThisreferstoGod'sessence,andHisexistenceisincomprehensibleandinexpressibleforyou.Thisisalsoevident fromsuchpassages inwhichthenameofGod issaidtobeactive(Ps20:1),menaresaidtotrustinGod'sname(Isa50:10),worshipHisname(Zeph3:9),andfearthatname(Mal4:2).SometimesthenameofGodisunderstoodtorefertothenamesbywhichGodcallsHimselforallowsHimselftobecalled—suchasJehovah:"IamtheLord(Jehovah):thatisMyname"(Isa42:8).ThenameofGodisalsounderstoodtorefertoGod's reputation—just aswe say of aman thathehas a goodname,that is, testimony, esteem, reputation. This is also signified relative toGod. "What wilt Thou do unto Thy great name" (Josh 7:9). Here thenameofGodsignifiesGodHimself,Hisessence,Hisperfections,andinsomerespects,alsoHisreputation.

TheMandatedActivity

ThedeedoractivitywearerequiredtoperformrelativetoGod'sNameisthatitbehallowed.Sincevariousmotionsarecomprehendedintheword"tohallow,"thereisconfusionamongthosewhohavebutlittleknowledgeastowhatistobeunderstoodbythehallowingofGod'sName.Inordertohaveamorediscerningknowledgeitneedstobenotedthat"tohallow"istobeunderstooddifferentlywhenitreferstoapersonoramatterthanwhenithasGodasitsobject.Whenmanorsomethingelseisitsobject,itsignifies:

(1)Tobeseparatedfromallothersandtostandalone.(2)Tobedevotedto God, to appropriate to God, and to surrender to His lordship andservice.(3)ToprepareandqualifyfortheserviceofGod.Itthusmeansto

illuminate, regenerate, restore the imageofGod inman, to renderholyand virtuous, and to render someone radiant and glorious due toholiness. (4) To be holily engaged in the service of God—in a taskcommanded by God. Occasionally, this is attributed to God andsometimestoman.IfitisattributedtoGod,thenitsignifies:

(1)Theseparationofapeopleorapersoninordertopenalizethemfortheirsins."Prepare23themfor thedayofslaughter"(Jer12:3). (2)Theseparation, preparation, and qualification of nations to execute Hisjudgments over others: "And I will prepare24 destroyers against thee,everyonewithhisweapons"(Jer22:7).(3)TosetapartamatterordayforHis service: "I have hallowed this house" (1Kings 9:3); "WhereforetheLordblessedthesabbathday,andhallowed it" (Exod20:11). (4)ToseparateanationorapersonfromotherstobeHispropertyandforHisservice:"IhalloweduntoMeallthefirstborninIsrael"(Num3:13);"IamtheLordwhichsanctifyyou"(Lev20:8). Italsosignifiesarendering fitfor His service; that is, to change, make holy, and render spiritual."Sanctify them through Thy truth" (John 17:17); "And the very God ofpeacesanctifyyouwholly"(1Thess5:23).InthismannerGodhasalsosetaparttheLordJesustobeaSuretyandaMediator,qualifyingHimbytheunion of the two natures and the extraordinary infusion of the HolySpirit."...Him,whomtheFatherhathsanctified,andsentintotheworld..." (John 10:36); "For it became Him ... to make the captain of theirsalvationperfect25throughsufferings"(Heb2:10).When"hallowing" isattributedtomen,itsignifies:(1)Tosetapart—uponGod'scommand—aday,matter,orpersonfortheserviceofGod.Thereisthehallowingofaday:"Rememberthesabbathday,tokeepitholy"(Exod20:8).Thereisthe hallowing of amatter: "So they sanctified the house of the Lord ineight days" (2 Chron 29:17). There is a hallowing of persons: "Sanctifyunto Me all the firstborn" (Exod 13:2). (2) To separate ourselves, toconsecrate ourselves to God, or to prepare ourselves for the service ofGod."Sanctifyyourselvesagainsttomorrow"(Josh7:13);"Letuscleanseourselvesfromallfilthinessofthefleshandspirit,perfectingholinessinthefearofGod"(2Cor7:1).

All these meanings of the word "to hallow" are not applicable here.However,wehavepointedthemoutsinceyouneedtobeacquaintedwith

theminordertobefreefromanyconfusioninthisrespect,andtobeallthemorecapableofunderstandingthemeaningoftheword"tohallow."Thisisahallowingwhichhasasitsobjectneithermannoranythingelse.The reference here is to a hallowing which has God as its object.SometimesthisisattributedtoGodandsometimestoman.GodHallowsHimself

GodhallowsHimself:"AndIwillsanctifyMygreatname"(Ezek36:23).GodhallowsHimselfbothintheworksofnatureandofgrace,revealingtomanwhatmannerofGodHeis.

HehallowsHimselfintheworksofnature.

(1)HedoesthiswhenHerevealsHimselfasbeingtheonlyGod."IamtheLord thatmaketh all things; that stretcheth forth theheavens alone; ...besideMe there is no God" (Isa 44:24, 6).Man can discern this fromcreation: "... being understood by the things that are made, even HiseternalpowerandGodhead"(Rom1:20).

(2) He does so when He reveals His goodness by means of temporalblessings."NeverthelessHeleftnotHimselfwithoutwitness, inthatHedidgood,andgaveusrainfromheaven"(Acts14:17);"TheearthisfullofThyriches"(Ps104:24).

(3)HedoessowhenHedemonstratesHis justice inpunishingsinners.Eventheheathenperceivethis,foroneofthemstates,"IhavelongbeenindoubtastowhetherGodrulesovereverythingorwhethereverythingcomes about by chance. However, the punishment of Rufinus at lastterminatedthistrainofthoughtandvindicatedGod.They(theungodly)areexaltedinorderthattheywillbecrushedallthemoreseverely."ThisisfrequentlymentionedintheHolyScriptures.Suchistrueinthesetwotexts:"Behold,Iamagainstthee,OZidon;andIwillbeglorified inthemidstofthee:andtheyshallknowthatIamtheLord,whenIshallhaveexecutedjudgmentsinher,andshallbesanctifiedinher"(Ezek28:22);"AndtheEgyptiansshallknowthatIamtheLord,whenIhavegottenMehonouruponPharaoh,uponhischariots,anduponhishorsemen"(Exod14:18).

(4)ThisoccurswhentheLordrevealsHisirresistibleomnipotenceinHisworks:"AndinverydeedforthiscausehaveIraisedtheeup,fortoshowintheeMypower;andthatMynamemaybedeclaredthroughoutalltheearth"(Exod9:16).ConsideralsoDan4:34-35,"IblessedthemostHigh,andIpraisedandhonouredHimthatlivethforever,whosedominionisan everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation togeneration: andall the inhabitants of the earth are reputedasnothing:andHedoethaccordingtoHiswillinthearmyofheaven,andamongtheinhabitantsof theearth:andnonecanstayHishand,orsayuntoHim,WhatdoestThou?"

However, God hallowsHimself in a special sense in the work of gracewhereinHerevealsHimselfas:(1)ArighteousGod,whocannotallowsintogounpunished,andwhocannotbereconciledtothesinnerexceptthecommitted sins be fully punished. "Whom God hath set forth to be apropitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness"(Rom3:25).(2)AgoodGod:"ButafterthatthekindnessandloveofGodourSaviour towardmanappeared. ...He savedus" (Titus 3:4-5). (3) AwiseGod:"Tothe intent thatnowuntotheprincipalitiesandpowers inheavenlyplacesmightbeknownby thechurch themanifoldwisdomofGod"(Eph3:10).(4)AfaithfulGod:"ForallthepromisesofGodinHimareyea,andinHimAmen,untothegloryofGodbyus"(2Cor1:20).(5)AtruthfulGod:"ButasGodistrue,ourwordtowardyouwasnotyeaandnay" (2 Cor 1:18). (6) An immutableGod. "WhereinGod,willingmoreabundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of Hiscounsel, confirmed it by an oath" (Heb 6:17). Therefore the Lord says,"ButMykindnessshallnotdepartfromthee,neithershallthecovenantofMypeaceberemoved"(Isa54:10).

InthesewaysGodrevealsHisperfectionsandhallowsHisName.

TheMannerinWhichManHallows

Man is also said to hallow, either himself, other people, or a variety ofmatters. It then signifies: (1) The separation of ordinary things forreligious purposes: "Sanctify unto Me all the firstborn" (Exod 13:2);"SeparateMeBarnabasandSaul"(Acts13:2).

(2)Todevoteto,toconsecratetoGod,tosurrendertotheserviceoftheLord,ortosacrifice:"AndfortheirsakesIsanctifyMyself,thattheyalsomight be sanctified through the truth" (John 17:19). The followingpassagesrefertothis:"ButfirstgavetheirownselvestotheLord"(2Cor8:5); "And another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord, andsurnamehimselfbythenameofIsrael"(Isa44:5).

(3)TopreparefortheserviceoftheLord:"Sanctifyyourselves,andcomewith me to the sacrifice" (1 Sam 16:5). (4) To be involved in a holymannerintheworkoftheLord."Rememberthesabbathday,tokeepitholy" (Exod 20:8). To this also belongs a being godly and holy in thetotalityofourlifeanddeeds."Yeshallthereforesanctifyyourselves,andyeshallbeholy;forIamholy"(Lev11:44).

ManisalsosaidtohallowGod.Suchhallowing,however,doesnotsignifyallthatwhichweenumerated,forGodisperfect,andnothingcaneitherbetakenawayoraddedtoHim.

However, thehallowingofGod'sNameconsists, first of all, inknowingand attentively observing where and in whatmanner God hallows HisName—inHisworksaswellasingrace,ashasbeendiscussedabove.Hewho will hallow God's Name, must take note wherein God revealsHimself, and which perfections of God manifest themselves in this."Come,beholdtheworksoftheLord"(Ps46:8);"Whosoiswise,andwillobserve these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness oftheLord"(Ps107:43).Secondly,theremustbearecognitionandajoyfulapprobationthatGodissuchaGod."Evenso,LordGodAlmighty, trueandrighteousareThyjudgments"(Rev16:7).

Thirdly,God'sNameassuchmustbeglorified,exalted,andpraised."OpraisetheLord,allyenations:praiseHim,allyepeople.ForHismercifulkindnessisgreattowardus:andthetruthoftheLordendurethforever"(Ps117).(1)Suchoccurswiththeheart:"BlesstheLord,Omysoul:andall that iswithinme,blessHisholyname" (Ps 103:1); "But sanctify theLordGodinyourhearts"(1Pet3:15);

(2)withthemouth:"IwillspeakoftheglorioushonourofThymajesty,andofThywondrousworks"(Ps145:5);

(3)with our life and our deeds: "Herein isMyFather glorified, that yebearmuchfruit"(John15:8).

Fourthly,wemustshowtoothershowgloriousaGodourGodis.FromtheHolyScripturesandHisworks,bothHiscommonandextraordinaryprovidence, we must point out which perfections of God manifestthemselves in a given situation, and therebywemust lead them to theknowledge,acknowledgment, love,andglorificationofGod.EverywhereinthePsalmsDavidexhortseveryonetodoso—alsoinPs148,whereheaddressesangels,hosts,kings,princes,judges,youngmen,maidens,andoldmen.HestirsthemalluptopraiseGodandtobeholdthegloryoftheLord in all His works of creation, preservation, government, andredemptionofHispeople.He concludes in verses 13-14by saying, "Letthempraise thenameof theLord: forHisnamealone is excellent;Hisglory is above the earth and heaven. He also exalteth the horn of Hispeople,thepraiseofallHissaints;evenofthechildrenofIsrael,apeoplenearuntoHim.PraiseyetheLord."Thepsalmistalsomakesmentionofanimals,birds,fish,thesun,andtrees.Thisdoesnotmeanthattheyareabletodothis,butthattheyrendermanreasonstoglorifyGod;andheendsthebookofPsalmswith:"LeteverythingthathathbreathpraisetheLord.PraiseyetheLord.:

TheImplicationofPraying,"HallowedbeThyName"

Thus far we have demonstrated how and whereby God's Name ishallowed. It now remains to demonstrate what it means to pray,"HallowedbeThyName."

First of all, it consists of an expressionof strong love andadesire thatGod'sNamebeglorifiedandpraised."LetsuchasloveThysalvationsaycontinually,LetGodbemagnified"(Ps70:4).

Secondly, it includesanacknowledgment thatweandallothermenarenotworthythatGodwouldmanifestHimselftousevenintheveryleast,that we should rejoice in this revelation, and that we should put thepraises ofGod in ourmouths.When the holy angels glorifiedGod andthrice exclaimed "Holy," they covered their countenances (Isa 6).Abraham said, "Behold now, I have taken uponme to speak unto the

Lord, which am but dust and ashes" (Gen 18:27). Thereby weacknowledge that it would be God's incomprehensible grace andgoodnessiftheLordweretopermitandenableustoglorifyHim.Forthisgracewethenpray.

Thirdly, it implies an admission of impotence to do this, for he whodelightsinthehallowingofGod'sNamefindshimselfperplexedfromallsides. His understanding is too darkened, his will too inert, and hisaffectionstoolethargic.Heisneitherabletobegin,nortoproceed,andifhedoesanythingitismoretheworkofhisheadthanhisheartandheisthereforeinclinedtodesist.Hethusperceivesthatitmustbegivenhimoutofgrace,andthereforehesays,"OLord,openThoumylips;andmymouthshallshowforthThypraise"(Ps51:15).

Fourthly,itisindicativeoffaiththatGodisabletodoit,isalsowillingtogive it—and indeeddoesgive it. "Thispeoplehave I formed forMyself;theyshallshowforthMypraise"(Isa43:21);"Thattheymightbecalled...theplantingoftheLord,thatHemightbeglorified"(Isa61:3).TheLordJesuswouldnotput thesewords inourmouth if itwerenot theLord'sintenttograntthistothesupplicant.

Fifthly,itconsistsofaheartfeltentreaty:

(1)ThatGodwouldrevealHimselfasHeis,andthatHeistheOnewhorules everything from the least to the greatest, He being the One whopunishesandblesses, andwhogivesbothvictoryanddefeat inwar. "OShepherd of Israel ... shine forth. Before Ephraim and Benjamin andManassehstirupThystrength,andcomeandsaveus.Turnusagain,OGod, and cause Thy face to shine" (Ps 80:1-3); "O LordGod, towhomvengeancebelongeth...showThyself"(Ps94:1).

(2)ThatboththesupplicantandotherswouldseeandacknowledgeGodasHe revealsHimself inHisWord and inHisworks byHis Spirit—asGodisindeedpleasedtodo."...thewicked...willnotbeholdthemajestyof theLord" (Isa26:10); "Therighteousshall rejoicewhenheseeth thevengeance. ... So that aman shall say, Verily there is a reward for therighteous: verily He is a God that judgeth in the earth" (Ps 58:10-11);"Then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it"

(Ezek37:14).

(3)Thatboththesupplicantsandothers—byreasonofknowingtheLordas being such a majestic, holy, glorious, good, and omnipotent Lord—would,inallthatHedoes,love,fear,obey,andpraiseHim;andbyreasonofthatdispositionanddesiretheyinitiateeverything,areactiveassuch,endinthis,andinverydeedexclaim,"ForofHim,andthroughHim,andtoHim,areallthings:towhombegloryforever"(Rom11:36).Allthisisincludedintheprayer,"HallowedbeThyName."

HavingastronglovethatGodwillbeglorifiedamongmen,inviewofhisunworthinesstobepermittedtodoso,andduetohisinabilitytodoso,thesupplicantpresentshimselfinfaithtotheLordasachild,comingtoGodashisFather inChrist, andprays, "LetThyworkappearuntoThyservants,andThygloryuntotheirchildren"(Ps90:16);"LetmymouthbefilledwithThypraiseandwithThyhonouralltheday"(Ps71:8).

TheVainUseofthisPetition

Howfarmanisremovedfromconductinghimselfassuch,however!Theheathen neither know, desire, nor glorify God, and are without God.ChristiansareindeedobligatedtoglorifyGod,butinsomerespectstheybehavethemselvesworsethantheheathen,forinsteadofglorifyingGod,theydishonorHim—yes, theymockwithGod inan intolerablemanner.However, youmay say, "How do theymockwithGod?" They do so bydaily taking thesewords in theirmouths: "HallowedbeThyName," forthey daily recite this prayer and are of the opinion that they wouldcommitagreatsin if theyhadnotprayedthis—if theLord'sPrayerhadnotbeentheconclusionof theirprayer.However, inthemeantimetheyhavenoknowledgeofwhat thismeans:"HallowedbeThyName."Theydonotdesirethis,noraretheymotivatedtopraythisbyreasonofsuchadesire. Itdoesnotevenoccur to them,and they just rattle itoff. Isnotthismockery?Wouldyoudaretoaddressakingoramanofdistinctioninthis manner? Do you think that he would give you your request uponsuchirreverentbabbling?AcknowledgethereforewhatanabominationitistobeprattlinginthismannerinthepresenceofGod,whileyetbeingoftheopinionthatyouhadprayedtoGod.Suchpersonshavenointerestinthe means whereby God's Name is hallowed: the coming of God's

kingdomand thepetitionswhich follow.Consequently, thismeans thattheythemselvesalsohavenodesirefortheglorificationofGod'sName,and yet they insist on daily reciting this petition ignorantly, doing sowithoutadesireforthematter—andirreverently.IsthisnottobeguiltyofmockingwiththegreatGod?ItwouldbelesssinfulnottoprayatallthantorattlesomethingoffmockinglyinGod'spresence.

TheGraveConsequencesofNotHallowingGod'sName

Therefore, give ear, you ignorant ones, who neither have knowledge ofGodnorofthecontentsofthispetition,andwhohavenodesiresrelativetothispetition;hear,youwhorattleoffyourprayers,whoprayroutinely,whomockwith God, who tear God's laws to shreds and trample uponthem, who abuse the holy name of God, who with your ungodly walkcause thenameofGod to be slandered; hear and take the following toheart:

First,Godwill not permitHimself to bemocked anddespised. "Benotdeceived; God is not mocked" (Gal 6:7); "Surely He scorneth thescorners"(Prov3:34).Oh,howdreadfulitwillbewhenyouwillthusbescorned!

Secondly,aslongasyouliveinsuchacondition,Goddoesnotwishtobeworshiped by you. "When ye come to appear before Me, who hathrequiredthisatyourhand,totreadMycourts?Andwhenyespreadforthyour hands, I will hideMine eyes from you: yea, when yemakemanyprayers,Iwillnothear"(Isa1:12,15).Whatawretchedconditionitisnottobepermittedtopray—yes, theneventheirreligionisanabominationbeforeGod!"Thesacrificeof thewicked isanabominationtotheLord"(Prov15:8).Godevenforbidsthemtospeakofdivinethings:"ButuntothewickedGodsaith,WhathastthoutodotodeclareMystatutes,orthatthoushouldesttakeMycovenantinthymouth"(Ps50:16).Oh,GodissoholythatwemaynotapproachuntoHimexceptinthewayofholiness.

Thirdly, ifwedonothallowGod'sName; ifwebutsaywithourmouth,"Hallowed be Thy Name," while neither understanding what we aresayingnorhavingaheartfeltdesirethatsuchwouldoccur,thenGodwillsanctifyHimselfbypunishingyou,inorderthateveryonewouldperceive

howverymuchGodoughttobefearedandhowreverentweoughttobeinourapproachuntoHim.WhenNadabandAbihucamebeforetheLordwithstrangefire,"therewentoutfirefromtheLord,anddevouredthem"(Lev10:3).InresponsetothisMosessaid,"ThisisitthattheLordspake,saying,IwillbesanctifiedinthemthatcomenighMe"(Lev10:3).Eventhough God does not always do this immediately, the Lord willnevertheless do this at His time and in His manner, and they will beaware of the fulfillment of this threat: "Forasmuch as this people drawnearMewith theirmouth, andwith their lips dohonourMe, but haveremovedtheirheartfarfromme...therefore,behold,Iwillproceedtodoa marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and awonder"(Isa29:13-14).Therefore,alsogiveheedastohowyoupray;beacquaintedwithanddesirousforthatwhichyoudeclarebeforeGod:"Benot rashwith thymouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anythingbeforeGod"(Eccles5:2).Thisisintendedforthosewhoprayinanevilmanner.

TheGodlyRebukedforTheirDeficientUseofThisPetition

Alsothegodlyareverydeficientinprayingthispetition,andthereforearein need of rebuke.Many dwell toomuch upon themselves and are toointent upon a feeling sense of the forgiveness of sins, the assurance oftheir state, and victory over their sins, holiness, and virtuousness. Thelatter is a gooddesire, but it is not sufficient.We oughtmuchmore toaccustomourselves to have knowledge of, love for, and focus upon thehighestgoalinallthings:theglorificationofGod'sName.Thiswemustheartilysupplicateforinourprayer,ratherthandesistindiscouragementbysaying,"IcannotglorifyGod;IamtooignorantandIdonotknowhowtobegin; Iam toosinful, and thepowerofmycorruptions troublesmysoul;mycrosspressesmedownandIamsurroundedbysorrows;IfinditdifficulttobelievethatGodismyGod.HowthencanIglorifyHisName?And even if I undertake this, then I must immediately desist. I amwithoutsubjectmatterformyprayer,Ifindnosweetnessinit,andit isbuttheworkofmyintellect."

Youareindeedtoberebuked.Torefrainfromthiscausesyoutoremainspirituallyimmature.YoudesiretoimmediatelyhaveaviewofthegloryofGodinahighmeasure,aswellashavingafeelingandvehementsense

oflove.Instead,youmustbegininahumbleconditionofsoulandreflectupon the suitableness of God being hallowed by all creatures, theblessednessofthosewhodosowithdesireandlove,aswellasyourowndesiretothatend.Youmustthustrainyourselfcontinuallytohavethisobjectiveinviewinordertobecomeaccustomedtoit.Insodoing,yourpropensityinthisregardwillimprove.

Therefore, stir up your soul to hallowGod'sName and to pray for thiscontinually,for:(1)Godisworthyofthis(Rev4:11),anditbehoovesyou(Isa42:21).

(2)Godispleasedwithit(Ps22:4),andthisisallyourdelight(Ps71:8).

(3) It is the delightful activity of the birds, the heavens (Ps 19:1), theangels(Isa6:3),andthesaintsuponearth(Ps92:2;Ps69:31).Wouldyouthenbesilent?

(4) thiswill cause yourwork to bemore genuine (John 3:21), and is agreatprivilege foryou (Ps99:3,6).GodglorifiesallwhoglorifyHim(1Sam2:30),anditisthesweetesttask(Ps147:1).Yes,itisfelicityitselfandit will be the eternal activity of glory (Rev 5:9-12). Therefore, takepleasure in this, undertake it, take conscious notice of the manner inwhichGodrevealsHisperfections,andpraise theLord.Beginwith thisobjectiveandendinit."LeteverythingthathathbreathpraisetheLord"(Ps150:6).Thesemattershavebeenenlargeduponandrecommendedinchapter56xAdd thischapter to it for itbelongs to it. If Ihadnotdealtwithitextensivelythere,Iwouldhavebeenobligatedtodosohere.Since,however,wedidsoatthattime,Ihavesaidlessofithere.

TheSecondPetition:ThyKingdomCome

Godhasconjoinedboththeendandthemeanstoobtainthatendwithanunbreakablebond.Hewhodoesnotusethemeansshouldnotexpecttoattain the end. This is commonknowledge to everyone. Sometimes themeans—suchasheavylaborandperilouscircumstances—areunattractiveandwewouldnotavailourselvesofthemifitwerenotforthefactthatwewould thus attain the desired end. Sometimes the means in and ofthemselves are attractive. We would make use of them without any

furtherobjectiveinview—asistruefordelectablefoodanddrink.Inthespiritual realm all is sweet—the end and themeans which we use andavail ourselves of in order to attain the end (I am not referring tosufferinghere).Theyaresweetinviewoftheendtobeattained,andtheyare inherentlysweetaswell.Howamiableanddesirable theultimateofallobjectivesis—thehallowingofGod'sName—wehavedemonstratedinthe preceding petition. The five subsequent petitions are themeans tothat end—each individualpetitionbeing veryprecious andgiving causefor rejoicing to the truly spiritual person. The means which mostpreeminentlypromotestheglorificationofGod'sNameisthecomingofGod's kingdom. Its nature, glory, advantages, and desirability we shallnow explain. In the second petition reference is made to a kingdom,relative to which the prayer is uttered that it might come. TheWord"Kingdom"DefinedandExpounded

Letus consider theword "kingdom."Akingdomconsists of a populaceunitedunderoneleader.Therehavealwaysbeenmanykingdomsintheworld,anditisstilldividedintomany.Amongthemtherehavebeenfourempires;that is,eraswhentheentireworldwassubjectedtoonerulinghead.ThesearetheempiresofBabylon,oftheMedesandPersians,oftheGreeks, and of the Romans. There is yet a fifth empire of an entirelydifferent nature: the kingdom of the Lord Jesus, of which we are nowspeaking.ThisisotherwisereferredtoasthecongregationofGodandofChrist, and we denominate it with a word not found in Scripture: thechurch.26Letusfurthermoreconsidertheword"Thy"InthisprayerGodtheFatherisaddressed,andthusthereferencehereistothekingdomoftheFather, for all things are out ofHimand throughHim.TheFathergathers,rules,andpreservesthiskingdombyHisSonJesusChrist.Thisis thereforeconjoinedinthefollowingpassage:"Nowiscomesalvation,andstrength,andthekingdomofourGod,andthepowerofHisChrist"(Rev12:10).GodisKinginandofHimself.Heistheoriginalcauseofallthings;Heinherentlyhasthepreeminence,isexalted,hasallmajestyandglory,andallpoweranddominionfromalleternity.Thiswastruebeforethere were any creatures, and now that creatures do exist, they are allsubjecttoGodinconsequenceofHisnature.

"Thine,OLord, is thegreatness, and thepower, and theglory, and the

victory,andthemajesty: forall that is intheheavenandintheearthisThine;Thineisthekingdom,OLord,andThouartexaltedasheadaboveall" (1 Chron 29:11). The Lord is great—yes,He alone is King: "I am agreatKing,saiththeLordofhosts,andMynameisdreadfulamongtheheathen"(Mal1:14).ThekingdomofGodisdistinguishedbetween1)thekingdomofHispower,2)thekingdomofHisglory,and3)thekingdomofHisgrace.ThekingdomofHispowerhasallcreaturesasitssubjects:good and evil angels, good and evil men, all living animals, and allinanimateobjectsintheheavensanduponearth.EverythingissofullyinHis hand that they cannot move without Him. Furthermore, theyimmediatelystandreadyatHisbiddingandexecuteHiswill.TheLordistherefore generally referred to in Scripture as the Lord of hosts. Davidspeaksasfollows:"TheycontinuethisdayaccordingtoThineordinances:forallareThyservants"(Ps119:91);"TheLordhathpreparedHisthronein the heavens; and His kingdom ruleth over all" (Ps 103:19).Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged this by saying, "Whose dominion is aneverlastingdominion,andHiskingdomisfromgenerationtogeneration:andalltheinhabitantsoftheeartharereputedasnothing:andHedoethaccordingtoHiswillinthearmyofheaven,andamongtheinhabitantsofthe earth: and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him, What doestThou"(Dan4:34-35).

The kingdom of His glory has as its subjects the holy angels and theglorified elect in the thirdheaven—that is, paradiseor thehouseof theFather."Come,yeblessedofMyFather,inheritthekingdompreparedforyou from the foundation of the world" (Matt 25:34). "God, who hathcalled you untoHis kingdom and glory" (1 Thess 2:12), that is, to Hisgloriouskingdom.

ThekingdomofHisgrace is alsodenominatedas "theChurchofGod."First, the subjects of this kingdom are all true believers and convertedpersons."...theLambshallovercomethem...andtheythatarewithHimarecalled,andchosen,andfaithful"(Rev17:14).Secondly,Godseparatesthemfromtheworld,allnations,allcommunities,andallkingdoms,andcauses them todwellalone. "Lo, thepeople shalldwell alone,andshallnotbe reckonedamong thenations" (Num23:9); "Whereforecomeoutfromamongthem,andbeyeseparate,saiththeLord,andtouchnotthe

uncleanthing;andIwillreceiveyou"(2Cor6:17).

Thirdly, there is a very intimate interrelationship among them—amostintimateandspiritualbond—sothattogethertheyformonewhole."Andthemultitudeof them thatbelievedwereof oneheart andof one soul"(Acts4:32).Thisunionexists: (1)Asa resultof truedoctrine: "Andarebuilt upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus ChristHimselfbeingthechiefcornerstone"(Eph2:20);"OneLord,onefaith"(Eph 4:5). The apostle therefore exhorts: "If there come any unto you,and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house" (2 John1:10).

(2)DuetobeingunitedbythesameSpiritwhodwellsinallofthemandbywhomtheyalllive:"ForasmanyasareledbytheSpiritofGod,theyarethesonsofGod"(Rom8:14);"ForthroughHimwebothhaveaccessbyoneSpirituntotheFather"(Eph2:18).

(3)Bylove:"Theirhearts...beingknittogetherinlove"(Col2:2);"Bythisshall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one toanother"(John13:35).

(4)Bythatselfsamefaith,bywhichtheyareunitedtoChristandinChristtoeachother."Thattheyallmaybeone;asThou,Father,artinMe,andIinThee,thattheyalsomaybeoneinUs"(John17:21).

Fourthly,thiskingdomhastheLordJesusasitsKing."YethaveIsetMyKinguponMyholyhillofZion"(Ps2:6).EventhoughonlytruebelieversaretheactualsubjectsofthisKing—theybeing

God,knowledgetheonlymemberswhotrulyconstitutethechurch,beingunitedtotheLordJesuswithaspiritualbond,andinHimtoeachother—theLordJesusisneverthelessKingoftheentirechurchasshemanifestsherselfintheworld,whichincludesmanyunconvertedmembers.Justasan earthly king rules over strangers, residents, hidden enemies, andtraitors,likewiseChristalsorulesovertheunconvertedinHiskingdom.FortheyacknowledgeHimtobetheirKing,subject themselvestoHim,haveswornallegiancetoHim,andconfessHim,eventhoughtheydo itbutinanexternalsenseandwithanunchangedheart.KingdomofGod,

churchFifthly,GoddesignatesthiskingdomastheobjectofHisgoodnessand allmanner of blessings. In that kingdom: (1) God dwells withHisgraciouspresence:"Godisinthemidstofher"(Ps46:5);"InSalemalsoisHistabernacle,andHisdwellingplaceinZion"(Ps76:2).JesusistheirKing "whowalketh in themidst of the seven golden candlesticks" (Rev2:1). (2) There is safety: "I the Lord do keep it; I will water it everymoment:lestanyhurtit,Iwillkeepitnightandday"(Isa27:3);"ForI,saiththeLord,willbeuntoherawalloffireroundabout,andwillbetheglory in themidst of her" (Zech2:5). Therefore allwhoknow theLordtake refuge there: "The Lord hath founded Zion, and the poor of Hispeopleshalltrustinit"(Isa14:32).(3)Thereislight:"Arise,shine;forthylightiscome,andthegloryoftheLordisrisenuponthee...buttheLordshall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee. And theGentilesshallcometothylight,andkingstothebrightnessofthyrising"(Isa60:1-3).(4)Thereisspirituality,life,andholiness."Butyeare...anholynation"(1Pet2:9).(5)Thereispeaceandjoy:"ForthekingdomofGod is ... righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" (Rom14:17).(6)There iscomfortandrefreshmentforanoppressedsoul:"AllMy springs are in Thee" (Ps 87:7). (7) The elect are converted and aregatheredin:"AndofZionitshallbesaid,Thisandthatmanwasborninher"(Ps87:5);"AndtheLordaddedtothechurchdailysuchasshouldbesaved"(Acts2:47).SuchgloriousthingsaresaidofthecityofGod—ofthekingdomofChrist.

TheOriginandNatureoftheKingdomThiskingdomhasitsorigininthefirstgospeldeclarationtoAdam,andwillcontinuewithoutfailuntiltheendof theworld.FromAdamtoAbrahamitwasgatheredfromvariousnations, but the particular focus was upon the holy lineage. FromAbraham toChrist it consisted in the seedofAbraham, althoughmanyother individuals joined themselves to it. "He showeth His word untoJacob,HisstatutesandHisjudgmentsuntoIsrael.Hehathnotdealtsowithanynation"(Ps147:19-20).AfterthecomingofChrist,alldistinctionamongnationshasbeenremoved,andwhoeverbelievesinandfearstheLordispleasingtoHim,regardlessofwhatnationhebelongsto."Thou...hastredeemedustoGodbyThybloodoutofeverykindred,andtongue,andpeople,andnation"(Rev5:9).

This kingdom is the kingdomofheaven, beingdenominated as such incontrasttoallearthlykingdoms."Mykingdomisnotofthisworld"(John18:36). It originates in heaven, is of a heavenly nature, functions in aheavenly manner, and culminates in heaven. It is therefore called thekingdomofheaven.Sincethiskingdomhasalwaysbeenthesame,beingidentical in nature fromAdam to Christ, it thus has been in all ages aheavenly kingdom.However, it is especially theNewTestament churchwhichisdenominatedassuch,alltheexternalsoftheshadowministryoftheOldTestamenthavingbeenremoved.Thechurchispresentlynotanexternal kingdom; that is, it is not governed by kings and princes andfurnished with external weapons—as was true in the Old Testament.Instead,sheisnowfullyandentirelyremovedfromallearthlyexternals,andisonlyheavenly innature—also in itsexternalmanifestation.Thus,the church of the New Testament is in a special sense the kingdom ofheaven.JohntheBaptistdenominatesitassuch:"Thekingdomofheavenisathand"(Matt3:2).TheLordJesusgenerallydenominatesitassuchinthe gospels and requires His apostles to do likewise. "And as ye go,preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt 10:7). It is akingdombyvirtueofitsbeingruledbyaking,namely,JesusChrist,whogathers, protects, and governs this kingdom. We refer to it as thekingdomofheavensince:

(1)IthasitsorigininheavenandisthereforefrequentlydenominatedthekingdomofGod.Bymeansof thegospelGod reveals theMediatorandthe way to salvation. God converts and adds to the church thoseregardingwhomitpleasesHimtodoso.Hesendsforthministerstothatend, and the gospel call is therefore referred to as a heavenly calling."Wherefore,holybrethren,partakersoftheheavenlycalling"(Heb3:1).

(2) Its subjects have heavenly natures. "Which were born ... of God"(John1:13),are"partakersofthedivinenature"(2Pet1:4),"...areledbytheSpiritofGod"(Rom8:14),and"arespiritual"(Gal6:1).

(3) The benefits of this kingdom are heavenly: God Himself is theirportion (Lam 3:24), and the Lord Jesus is their "wisdom, andrighteousness, and sanctification, and redemption" (1Cor 1:30).All thebenefits of the covenant of grace are theirs. They are "the heirs ofpromise"(Heb6:17).

(4)Theactivityofitssubjectsisofaheavenlynature:theypray,believe,love,andexercisevirtue.

(5)Theyarewithoutcarnalweaponsandaredefenseless,eventhoughtheentireworldisatenmitywiththem.Theirbattleisofaspiritualnature,however, and their weapons are spiritual. The apostle describes thisarmorfromheadtotoeinEph6:13-18."Fortheweaponsofourwarfareare not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds"(2Cor10:4).

(6) It culminates in heaven: "Receiving the end of your faith, even thesalvationofyoursouls" (1Pet1:9); "AndwhenthechiefShepherdshallappear,yeshallreceiveacrownofglorythatfadethnotaway"(1Pet5:4).Theseareallthereasonswhythiskingdomisdenominatedthekingdomofheaven.

ThisKingdomRedoundstotheGlorificationofGod

The existence of this kingdom redounds to the glorification of God inconsequenceofwhatGodworksinitssubjects,whatGoddoesrelativetothem,andbywhatthechurchdoesrelativetoGod.

(1)God'sperfectionsshineforthintheingatheringofthechurchandtheconversion of souls solely by the instrumentality of the Word; in theuniting of believers to Christ, justifying them by His ransom andrighteousness; and by sanctifying, leading, and comforting them. In allthisGod revealsHiswisdom, goodness, omnipotence, and faithfulness.He is thus "glorified inHis saints, and to be admired in all them thatbelieve"(2Thess1:10).

(2)GodisalsoglorifiedbywhatHedoesrelativetoHischurch.WhenHechastisesthechurchforhersins,thenGod'sholinessismanifestedasnotbeingable toenduresineven inHischildrenand thusvisits themwiththe rod. He is glorified whenHe preservesHis church in themidst ofwolves, so that she remains standing in all the assaults of the enemy—assaultswhich,humanlyspeaking,couldeasilyundoher.HeisglorifiedwhenHe causes the church to bemanifest again in a glorious fashion

afterhavingbeen inveryhumblecircumstances.Godthusreveals inallthisHisomnipotenceandfaithfulness,showingthattheyareHispeopleand thatHewill avengeHimself upon the oppressors of the church (2Thess1:6-7).

(3)God isalsoglorifiedbythechurchwhenshe,withherdeeds,shows"forth thepraisesofHimwhohath called yououtofdarkness intoHismarvellouslight"(1Pet2:9)."ThispeoplehaveIformedforMyself;theyshall show forth My praise" (Isa 43:21). Thus, this kingdom is thepreeminent means whereby God's Name is hallowed. The Lord Jesusthereforeteachesustopray,"Thykingdomcome."

Itisrelativetothiskingdomthatwepraythatitmaycome.

QuestionWhendoesthiskingdomcome?Thekingdomofheaven,asfarasitsNewTestamentmanifestationisconcerned,hadnotyetcomeatthetimewhentheLordJesusprescribedthisprayer,fortheLordJesushadneitherpaidtheransomnorhadyetbeenglorified.TheHolySpirithadnotasyetbeenpouredoutinthatextraordinarymannerandthegospelhadnotyetbeenconveyedtotheheathen,eventhoughthatmomentwasnear.Theycouldthuspraythatitwouldcome;itdidnotexistasyet,butwasnear.However,howcanwenowpray thatsuchwouldcomeabout,sinceallthishastranspired?

Answer: Even though this great change initially took place, itsprogressionoccursdaily,andwillnotceasetooccuruntiltheLordJesusreturnsfor judgment.Whenwethereforepresentlypray,"ThyKingdomcome,"thenthispertainstoindividualsinparticularandtotheconditionofthechurchingeneral.

ThisPetitionasItRelatestoIndividuals

Thispetitionpertainstoindividualpersons.Asahouseisbuiltbyaddingstonetostone,andasakingdomexistsandisenlargedbyunitingmoreandmoresubjects, likewise thiskingdomprospersby the translationofindividuals from the kingdom of Satan to the kingdom of Christ. ThistakesplacewhenGod,bymeansoftheWordofthekingdom,illuminatestheir understanding. He will thereby cause them to see, while being

inwardly stirred, their sinful and damnable condition, the way ofsalvation, and the preciousness of the state of the redeemed. ThiskingdomcomeswhenGodremovestheirheartofstoneandgivesthemaheart of flesh;whenHe gives them a submissive, attentive, and pliableheart; when He grants them faith whereby they accept Christ as theirrighteousnessandransom;whenHeregenerates themandgrants themspiritual life,adding themas livingstones to this spiritualbuildingandincorporatingthemasfaithfulsubjectsintothisheavenlykingdom.

And, the more they increase in light and holiness, the more God'skingdomiswithinthem.

ThisPetitionasItRelatestotheChurchinItsCondition

Thiskingdomcomesrelativetotheconditionofthechurchingeneral.(1)Thiskingdomcomeswhenthelightemanatedbythechurchispureandholy;when she eliminates the foul odor of error and heresy;when sheexcels in holiness, and she "looketh forth as the morning, fair as themoon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners" (Song6:10); when she glitters with "beauties of holiness" (Ps 110:3), which"becomeththinehouse"(Ps93:5),andwhensheisthus"apraiseintheearth" (Isa 62:7) and "a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and aroyal diadem in the hand of thy God" (Isa 62:3). This kingdom comeswhenthechurchradiatessuchglory thatothersdonotdare to joinherandmagnifyherinstead(Acts5:13).

(2) This kingdom comes when the church is multiplied and whenmultitudes join her in those localities where the church exists. Itfurthermorecomeswhenthegospelisbroughttootherlocales,nations,andkingdoms,andwhenthegospelisreadilyreceivedthereaccordingtothepromise:"Andthisgospelofthekingdomshallbepreachedinalltheworldforawitnessuntoallnations"(Matt24:14).

(3) This kingdom comes when the Lord delivers the church fromoverwhelming oppression which had caused her to flee into thewilderness, andwhenHe causes her to reappearmore gloriously. Suchwas the case when the Lord, at the time of Constantine the Great,deliveredthechurchfromthepersecutionoftheheathenemperors;and

whenHedeliveredherfromtheoppressionoftheantichristatthetimeoftheReformation. Itwill comewhenGodwill destroy the throne of thebeast, Rome, and annihilate the pope ofRome. For as the antichrist isreduced,thechurchwillproportionallyincrease.

(4) This kingdom will come when the Jews will come to the Messiah,Jesus Christ; when theywill acknowledgeHim, believe inHim, repenttowardtheLord,unitethemselveswithbelieversamongtheGentiles,andtogether will form one church. This will be according to the promisefound in Rom 11:25-26: "For I would not, brethren, that ye should beignorant of thismystery ...that blindness in part is happened to Israel,until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall besaved: as it iswritten, There shall come out of Sion theDeliverer, andshall turn away ungodliness from Jacob"; "What shall the receiving ofthembe,butlifefromthedead"(Rom11:15).

(5)Thiskingdomwillcomewhenthatwhich isrecorded inRev20:2,4will come to pass: "And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent,which is theDevil, andSatan, and boundhim a thousand years.And Isawthrones,andtheysatuponthem...andtheylivedandreignedwithChristathousandyears."ThegloryofthechurchduringthemillenniumwillconsistintheannihilationoftheantichristandtheMohammedans—the two chief enemies of the church; the binding of Satan and hisincarceration in hell; the conversion of the Jews; the manifestation ofgreatzealamongtheheathenandallmannerofnations;thepresenceofextraordinary light,holiness,andpeace; theextraordinary indwellingofGodamongthem;andawondrousrevelationoftheLordJesusasKing—not physically, but in the Spirit. God will then also make the earthextraordinarilyfruitful.Oh,whataglorioustimethatwillbe!Whodoesnot long for this time? All these things constitute the coming of God'skingdom.

The Lord Jesus mandates that we must pray for the coming of thiskingdom.SuchwasthepracticeoftheOldTestamentsaints:"Prayeralsoshall be made for Him continually" (Ps 72:15). This pertains to thekingdom ofwhichMessiah is King—and thus the church—which is thespiritual body ofChrist, "the fulness ofHim that filleth all in all" (Eph1:23).FortheKing'shonorisinthemultitudeofpeople.Nomatterwhat

David'sperplexitieswere, thechurchwasalwaysbounduponhisheart.HecouldnotconcludehisprayerfordeliveranceunlesstherewasalsoasighforZion:"DogoodinThygoodpleasureuntoZion:buildThouthewalls of Jerusalem" (Ps 51:18); "Redeem Israel, O God, out of all histroubles" (Ps 25:22).He exhorts everyone to do likewise: "Pray for thepeaceofJerusalem:theyshallprosperthatlovethee"(Ps122:6).

OurDutytoPrayThisPetition

Itisthusalsoourdutytopray,"Thykingdomcome."Thisincludes:LetThychurchradiate lightandholiness;extendher toallnations;deliverherfromheroppressionandanguish;annihilatetheantichristandalltheenemiesof thechurch;converttheJews;andlet thepromised,gloriousstateofthechurchcomeabout.

Furthermore,blessallthemeanswhicharesubservienttothegrowthofthechurch:

(1)Sendforthfaithfulandcapableservants,establishedinthetruth,whoarezealousandapttoteach:"PrayyethereforetheLordoftheharvest,thatHewill send forth labourers intoHisharvest" (Matt9:38); that is,suchastheLordhaspromised:"Iwillalsomakethyofficerspeace,andthineexactorsrighteousness"(Isa60:17).

(2)LettheWordanditspreachingbeblessedandfruitful:"Prayforus,thatthewordoftheLordmayhavefreecourse,andbeglorified,evenasitiswithyou"(2Thess3:1);"Withalprayingalsoforus,thatGodwouldopen unto us a door of utterance, to speak themystery of Christ" (Col4:3).

(3) Let the institutions for learning—for the children aswell as for thesonsof theprophets—beblessed.Let thenurtureofchildrenbeblessedsothatthefamiliesbecomelittlechurches."And,yefathers...bringthemupinthenurtureandadmonitionoftheLord"(Eph6:4).

(4)Grantusa goodgovernmentwhich, according topromise,will seekthewelfare of the church: "And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, andtheirqueensthynursingmothers"(Isa49:23).

TheRequisitesforPrayingThisPetitionAright

Inordertoprayrightlyforthecomingofthiskingdomtheremustbe:(1)knowledgeofwhatconstitutesthefutureandgloryofthiskingdom;howthispetitionrelatestothefirstpetition;or,howGod'sNameishallowedby thecomingof thiskingdom—bothofwhichhavebeendemonstratedabove;

(2)loveforthewell-beingofthechurch;

(3)anacknowledgmentoftheimpotenceofindividualstorepent,toaddthemselves as a livingmember to the church, to live asmembers whobring glory to the church, as well as the impotence of the church ingeneraltogatherherself,remainintact,maintainpurity indoctrineandsanctification,enlargeherself,andpersevereduringpersecutions;

(4)faiththatonlyGodcandothis,iswillingtodoit,hasdonesopriortothismomentandstilldoes,andhaspromisedtoheartheprayersofHischildren in this respect—andwillalsodo this in the futureaccording toHis promise that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matt16:18). All this constitutes the contents of this prayer. The Vain andSacrilegiousUseofThisPetition

Howfewaretheywhopraythispetitionintruth,andhowmanyaretheywho rattle it off! They think that to neglect praying the Lord's Prayereveryday is ungodly; however, theyhavenoqualms as towhether thispetitionisprayedaright.

First,thisistrueforallthosewhoneitherknownorcherishthiskingdominitsspiritual,glorious,andbeneficialnature,andwhoneitherhonornorfearitsKing.Andyettheysay,"Thykingdomcome."

Secondly, there are those who do not manifest themselves as truemembers,butassubjectsof thekingdomofSatan,asungodly,worldly-minded. They are nothing but blots upon the church and a disgrace toher.Andyettheypray,"Thykingdomcome."Thirdly,therearethosewhoare of the opinion that the well-being of the church consists in thequantityofmembersandthepresenceofpeace—evenifthechurchisin

an ignorant and sinful condition. They—ministers, elders, deacons,commonmembers,orauthorities—willdonothingfortheupbuildingofthechurch,anddonotconcernthemselveswithwhetheritgoeswellorillwiththechurch.Theyalloweverythingtoproceedasifitdidnotpertaintothemandneverthelesstheypray,"Thykingdomcome."Fourthly,thereare thosewho hate, oppress, and persecute the faithful subjects of thiskingdom—thosewhohavereceivedlightandaregodly.Ifsomeonecomesforward who opposes errors, ungodliness, and the oppression of thesaintsanddesirestoseekthegoodofJerusalem,hewillhavetofearthatin all things hewill be opposedwith a bitter hatred.Nevertheless theypray"Thykingdomcome."

First of all, this ismockerywithGod.By reciting this petition they aredeclaringthattheyareprayingtoGodthatHedosuchathing,expresslyrequestingHim to do so. In themeantime, however, they donot knowwhat they are saying, and they requestwhat theydonotdesire; on thecontrary,theyworkagainstit.DoyouthinkthatGodwillpermitHimselftobemocked?Secondly,tohate,contendwith,oppose,andoppressthechurchistocontendwiththeLordJesus,theKingofthechurchHimself."Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? I am Jesus whom thoupersecutest:itishardfortheetokickagainstthepricks"(Acts9:4-5).

Thirdly,notonlyareyounopartakerofall theheavenlybenefitsof thechurch—andthusyouwillalsonotbeglorifiedwithher—butallmannerof dreadful judgments will come upon you: "But those Mine enemies,which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slaythembeforeMe"(Luke19:27);"HethattouchethyoutoucheththeappleofHis eye" (Zech 2:8). Take note of the judgmentwhich is threatenedupontheoppressorsofthechurch:"Andifanymanwillhurtthem,fireproceedethoutof theirmouth,anddevoureth theirenemies:and ifanymanwillhurtthem,hemustinthismannerbekilled"(Rev11:5).Whenthose who rattle off this petition—thus those whomock with God, areblots upon the church, cause the church to be slandered by theirwalk,andaretheoppressorsofthechurch—willcometojudgmentandobservethechurchstanding ingloryat therighthandofChrist;when theywillobservethattheLordJesusHimself,theKingofthechurch,istheJudgeandwilllookupontheminwrath;oh,howwilltheythenbeterrifiedand

tremble! If they were then permitted to render Christ a service, howreadily they would do so! They will not be deemed worthy of this,however,butwillbecastintothefire.

ObligationsinThisPetition

However, for you who have some esteem for the Lord Jesus and Hiskingdom,thereareseveralobligations incumbentuponyou.First,uniteyourself to this kingdom and place yourself under the banner of KingJesus. Be as a champion among champions in contending for thiskingdom and against its enemies. For outside of this kingdom there isnothingbutenemyterritory.Doyouwishtosojournintheterritoryoftheenemy?Therearebuttwokingdoms—thatoftheLordJesusandthatofthe devil; there is no third. To be part of the kingdom of the devil,however,sothathehasdominionoveryouashedoesoverallchildrenofdisobedience (Eph 2:2), is indeed themost despicable and abominablethingimaginable.ForitistobeatenmityagainsttheLordJesusandatwarwithHiskingdom.Itisthemostextremeformofslavery,foritistobeunderthedominionofsin,andit isamostdreadfulthing, for itwillendineternaldamnation.Therefore,departfromitwithutmosturgencyandenterintothekingdomoftheomnipotent,faithful,good,andblessedKing Jesus. There you will find safety, peace, reconciliation with God,light, holiness, and comfort, and it will culminate in the kingdom ofeternalglory.Therefore,departandmakeatransfer,andjoininhonoringofChristandthehallowingofGod'sName.

Secondly,cherishthiskingdom,andcontinuallystirupyourlovetothatend. Declare with your entire heart: "Thou art my Lord: my goodnessextendethnot toThee"; that is, I cannotmakeany contribution towardThee, but I can do so "to the saints that are in the earth, and to theexcellent, in whom is all my delight" (Ps 16:3). Have a heart for thechurchasDaviddid:"Theyshallprosperthatlovethee.Formybrethrenandcompanions'sakes,Iwillnowsay,Peacebewithinthee.BecauseofthehouseoftheLordourGodIwillseekthygood"(Ps122:6,8-9).LetlovepromptyoutosaywithIsrael,"IfIforgetthee,OJerusalem,letmyrighthandforgethercunning.IfIdonotrememberthee,letmytonguecleavetotheroofofmymouth;ifIprefernotJerusalemabovemychiefjoy"(Ps137:5-6).Ifyourheartiscapableoflove,itmustlovethechurch,

forGod loves her. "But because the Lord loved you" (Deut 7:8); "ThoushaltbecalledHephzibah ... for theLorddelighteth in thee" (Isa62:7).TheLordJesushasaheartfeltloveforher."Christalsolovedthechurch,andgaveHimselfforit"(Eph5:25).Theangelsloveherandallbelieversloveher.She ismostdelightful fromeveryperspective, for theyare theelect,thechildrenofGod,thesaints,andtheexcellent.Thechurchis"acrown of glory" (Isa 62:7), "a praise in the earth" (Isa 62:7), and "theperfectionofbeauty"(Ps50:2).Therefore,lovethechurch.

Thirdly, let both the well-being and the degenerate condition of thechurchbeamatterofconcernforyou.Attentivelyinquirehowthechurchingeneralisfaringthroughouttheentireworld.Ifyouareinformedthatsheisoppressedincertainplaces,thaterrorsaresurfacingandbeginningto overwhelm her, that love is growing cold, that a worldly attitude isbeginning tomanifest itself, and that religious weeds are beginning toobscure the appearance of the church, then grieve over this and grieve"for theafflictionofJoseph" (Amos6:6).This iswhatNehemiahdid inchapter 1and inchapter2:3: "Whyshouldnotmycountenancebe sad,when the city (Jerusalem, the city of God), lieth waste?" FromLamentationsitcanbeobservedhowdeeplyJeremiah—andwithhimallthe lovers of Zion—grieved over the oppression of the church.How dobothheandthechurchlamentthere!"Isitnothingtoyou,allyethatpassby?behold,andseeiftherebeanysorrowlikeuntomysorrow,whichisdone untome,wherewith the Lord hath afflictedme in the day ofHisfierceanger"(Lam1:12).

Furthermore,ifyouhearthattheLordhereandtherecausesHischurchtoliftupherheadagain,andvisitsHispeoplewithblessings,rejoice inthisandthanktheLordfor it.Thechurchdidthis formerly:"WhentheLord turnedagain the captivity ofZion,wewere like them thatdream.Thenwas ourmouth filledwith laughter, and our tonguewith singing:thensaid theyamong theheathen,TheLordhathdonegreat things forthem"(Ps126:1-2);"OLord,IwillpraiseThee:thoughThouwastangrywith me, Thine anger is turned away, and Thou comfortedst me" (Isa12:1);"OblessourGod,yepeople,andmakethevoiceofHispraisetobeheard...wewentthroughfireandthroughwater:butThoubroughtestusoutintoawealthyplace"(Ps66:12).

Fourthly,prayandworkforthiskingdom.Eventhoughitisnotinman'spower to extend, preserve, and sanctify this kingdom, this being God'sdoing, it is neverthelessHiswill thatman, out of love, bemotivated topromote its well-being, and to call upon God to that end: "Spare Thypeople,OLord,andgivenotThineheritagetoreproach"(Joel2:17);"Osend out Thy light and Thy truth" (Ps 43:3); "Do good in Thy goodpleasureuntoZion"(Ps51:18).

TheDutyoftheUpright

Hewhopraysinhisheart,willandmustactivelypromotethewell-beingofthechurchandstrivetobeameansinGod'shand—eachinhisplaceandaccordingtohisabilities.

(1)Ministers(thebuilders),inthedemonstrationoftheSpiritandpower,must preach the gospel from heart to heart, clearly and distinctlyapplying it individually to the ungodly, the godly, the weak, and thestrong. They must convict, threaten, rebuke, comfort, and speakaccording to everyone's condition, doing so publicly as well as in thehomes. "Preach theword; be instant in season, out of season; reprove,rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" (2 Tim 4:2); "Takeheeduntothyself,anduntothedoctrine;continueinthem:forindoingthisthoushaltbothsavethyself,andthemthathearthee"(1Tim4:16).

(2)Eldersmustnotonlypray,"Thykingdomcome,"butoutof love forthis cause must actively engage themselves, give heed to how thecongregation functions, rebuke those who are disorderly, instruct theignorant,andvisit thesick.Furthermore,all that isaminister'sduty intheprivaterealm, isalsotheirduty.Likewisethedeaconsmust laborintheirsphere.

(3) All individual members must not only continually persevere inpraying for the well-being of the church, but also be active in theirindividual positions. It must be their objective to render the churchglorious,separatingthemselvesfromallwhoareoutsideofher inorderthat the distinction be all themore visible. "Wherefore come out fromamongthem,andbeyeseparate,saiththeLord"(2Cor6:17).Everyonemust endeavor to be an example to others. That which was Timothy's

dutyisapplicabletoeverymemberofthechurch:"Bethouanexampleofthe believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, inpurity" (1 Tim 4:12). Maintain mutual peace (except if the truth andgodliness be at stake), and "seek peace, and pursue it" (Ps 34:14).Manifestalovinghearttowardthosewhoarewithinandwithout—totheonewith the loveofdelightandtowardtheotherwithacompassionatelove: "And (add) to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherlykindness charity" (2 Pet 1:7). Be your brother's keeper by instructing,exhorting, and comforting everyone—each according to his owncircumstances—sothatnoonemaybackslide,butthatallwouldunitedlygoforwardfromstrengthtostrength.

"... warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support theweak,bepatient towardallmen"(1Thess5:14).HowthechurchwouldradiatethebeautiesofholinessandrenderChristhonorifeveryonewereto behave himself in this fashion! Even though the work inherently issufficientlyrewarding,doingsomethingforGodandHischurchbeingthemostgloriousandsweetesttask,letthefollowingreasonsalsostiryouup:

(1)Godisextraordinarilypleasedwiththis."ThemthathonourmeIwillhonour"(1Sam2:30).

(2) The Lord will preserve such in the day of evil: "Blessed is he thatconsidereth the poor: the Lordwill deliver him in time of trouble" (Ps41:1);"Setamarkupontheforeheadsof thementhatsighandthatcryforalltheabominationsthatbedoneinthemidstthereof"(Ezek9:4).

(3)Suchwillexperiencethattheythemselveswillgreatlyincreaseingiftsandgraces: "Everybranch inMe ... beareth fruit,Hepurgeth it, that itmay bring forthmore fruit" (John 15:2); "For whosoever hath, to himshallbegiven,andheshallhavemoreabundance"(Matt13:12).

(4) Such a congregation will be richly blessed, "for there the Lordcommandedtheblessing,evenlifeforevermore"(Ps133:3).

(5) The Lord will abundantly reward such faithful ones. "Who is thereeven among you that would shut the doors for nought? neither do yekindlefireonMinealtarfornought"(Mal1:10);"Blessedisthatservant,

whom his lordwhen he cometh shall find so doing" (Matt 24:46). Oh,howsweetitwillbetobeabletosay,"Behold,hereamIandthechildrenwhich theLordhasgivenme."To themtheLordshall say: "Welldone,thougoodandfaithfulservant:thouhastbeenfaithfuloverafewthings,Iwill make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thyLord"(Matt25:21).Happyisthatpeoplethatisinsuchacase!TheThirdPetition:ThyWillBeDoneonEarthasitIsinHeaven

TheeternalandonlyblessedGod,outofsovereigngoodness,hascreatedheavenandearthandalltheirhosts.Hepreservesthemintheiressenceandmotions byHis omnipotent, omniscient (as far as each creature isconcerned), efficacious, and all-encompassing influence. "Who ...upholding all things by theword ofHis power" (Heb 1:3); "ByHim allthings consist" (Col 1:17). Furthermore, He is also the lawgiver of Hisrational creatures—men: "For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is ourlawgiver"(Isa33:22).

Among all creatures upon earth, only man knows God as Creator,preserver, ruler, and lawgiver. When man was still in the state ofrectitude, he joyously acknowledged themajesty, supremacy, and otherperfections of the Lord. He beheld these perfections by reason of theimmediate revelation of God to the soul, as well as by observing thecreatures and God's operations in them. He was conscious of hisdependencyuponHisMaker,submittedhimselftoHimaslawgiver,andwithajoyfulwillingnessdideverythingtheLordrequiredfromhim.HeknewofnootherwillbuttheLord'swill,forHislawwasimprintedinhisnature—notonlyasarule,butitwasnaturaltohim,hebeingalawuntohimself.

However, after the fall everything in man has been reversed andcorrupted.Even thoughhemaybe conscious and knowledgeable of hisobligations toward God, he nevertheless separates himself from God,rejectsthelawofhisLord,livesaccordingtohisownrule,allowshimselftobeguidedbyhis lusts,anddeclareshimselftobehisownmaster.Byhis very conduct hedeclares: "Who is theLord, that I should obeyHisvoice...IknownottheLord"(Exod5:2);"WhoisLordoverus"(Ps12:4).

WhenGodconvertsaperson,however,hisownwillismostburdensome

andgrievoustohimself.Hehatesit,strivesagainstit,andwouldextractitbyitsveryroot ifhewereableto.HelovesthewillofGod,andtodothiswillwouldbeallhisdesireanddelight.Yes,sincehelovesGod,itishisdesire thatnotonlyhe,but thatallmenwouldacknowledge,honor,andfearGodinHismajestyandsovereignrule,andbeobedienttoHim.Sinceheknowsthatbothheandallothermenareunworthy, impotent,andincapableofthis,andthatsuchobedienceisagraciousgiftofGod,hetherefore avails himself of prayer and prays in humility, "Thy will bedone,"doingsoinaccordancewithwhattheLordJesushasprescribedinthethirdpetition.

Thispetition consists of twoparts. First, there is thematter requested:"Thywillbedone."Secondly,thereisthemannerinwhichthiswillistobedone:"Onearthasitisinheaven."

TheSubjectofthisPetition:TheRevealedWillofGod

Relativetothematterrequested,thereis1)thesubject:Thywill;and2)theactivityrequested:bedone.

The address "Our Father," etc. is applicable to all petitions. Thesupplicant heremaintains his childlike disposition andmakes use of achildlikeboldnesstomakehisdesireknowntoGodasbeingHisFatherinChrist, and requesting its fulfillment.Hedoes this, taking the lowestplace, in deepest humility, and with the deepest reverence for theeminenceandawe-inspiringnatureofthedivinemajesty.Whilebeinginsuchaframe,thesupplicantwillperceiveatoncethathisrequestwillnotattribute anything to the LordHimself. Rather, he perceives it to be agracious gift to man that he is permitted to behold and delight in themajestyofhisGodandHisworthinesstobeobeyed;thatheisprivilegedto submit to Him and with joyful willingness may do that which ispleasing toHim, thus executingHiswill and commandmentswith zealandsteadfastness.Hethereforerequeststhisinsuchaheartfeltmanner.

Inregardtoman,hiswillisafacultyofthesoulwhichenableshimtoloveortohate,tobeeitherpleasedordispleased,tochooseorreject—allthisin accordancewith themanner inwhich the intellect views or judges agivenmatterasbeingdesirableorundesirable.However,thisisnottrue

ofthewillofGod.Wepunyhumanbeingsspeakofitinhumantermsandaretounderstanditinadivinesense.Weareacquaintedwiththematteras such, but for the "how" of this truth we must close our eyes; it isincomprehensible. We know that the will of God is the willing GodHimself,andthisisthereforenotthemattertowhichourpetitionrelateshere.

WhenwespeakhereofthewillofGod,weperceivethiswillasitrelatestothecreature.Assuch,itsignifiesthatwhichpleasesGod—God'sgoodpleasure:"...accordingtothegoodpleasureofHiswill"(Eph1:5).Itcanbe thatGodHimself executes this: "But ourGod is in the heavens:Hehath donewhatsoeverHehath pleased" (Ps 115:3), or thatHe requiresthis tobedonebyman: "...doing thewill ofGod from theheart" (Eph6:6).

Godwills the execution of those things whichHe has purposed inHiseternal counselandwhichHehasnotmadeknown toman inadvance.ThisisdenominatedthewillofHisdecree,orHissecretwill.Wereadofthiswillinthefollowingpassages:"Mycounselshallstand,andIwilldoallMypleasure"(Isa46:10);"ThesecretthingsbelonguntotheLordourGod" (Deut 29:29). Even though this is not the actual subject of thispetition,manisneverthelessinvolvedwithit.

Rather, the actual reference here is to those things which God hasrevealed to us, and not solely to those matters in which God findspleasure,suchasarerecordedinthefollowingpassages:"Forthisisthewill of God, even your sanctification" (1 Thess 4:3); "In these things Idelight,saiththeLord"(Jer9:24).Itparticularlyrelatestotheactivityofmen,however,whichtheyengagein,duetoitbeingthewillofGod:"Lo,Icome...todoThywill"(Heb10:7);"...doingthewillofGod"(Eph6:6).This will is denominated: the revealed will of God, or the will of Hiscommand. "Those thingswhichare revealedbelonguntous and toourchildrenforever,thatwemaydoallthewordsofthislaw"(Deut29:29).ThisrevealedwillpertainstomatterswhichGodrevealsinadvance,butas yet have to come to pass. Such is true of the prophecies and theRevelationofJohn.Orelse itreferstoGod'scommands,themoral law,andthustothatwhichGodrequiresfromman."Hehathshowedthee,Oman, what is good; andwhat doth the Lord require of thee, but to do

justly"(Mic6:8);"...buthethatdoeththewillofMyFatherwhichisinheaven"(Matt7:21).Somuchforthesubjectofthispetition.

Itisthiswillconcerningwhichthesupplicantpraysthatit"bedone,"thatis, that it be performed. Here the supplicant does not primarily andforemost focus upon man and his happiness and felicity in respect toholiness—as consisting in theharmonyofhis intellect,will,words, anddeedswith therevealedwillofGod.Rather, thesupplicant ismovedbythe glorification of God in His majesty. This is realized when mansubmitshimselftoGod,andwhenhelivesaccordingtoGod'swill.HeismovedtoprayforthisbyhisdesirethatGodbeacknowledgedbymenasHeis,andasHemanifestsHimselfintheworksofnatureandgrace.Formanbynaturedoesnotperceive this,doesnotexaltGodaboveall,nordoesheglorifyHim;he is furthermorenotabletodothis.HethereforepraysthatGodwouldconvertmen,drawthemoutofdarkness intoHismarvelouslight,andtranslatethemintothekingdomofHisSon,sothattheywillberenderedcapableofdoingHiswillandbedesiroustodoitinverydeed.

GodcreatesHissecretwill,thewillofHisdecree,irresistibly.Thisisthusnot the matter we petition to be done. "For the Lord of hosts hathpurposed,andwhoshalldisannulit?andHishandisstretchedout,andwho shall turn it back" (Isa 14:27). This sovereignty of the Lord thesupplicant acknowledges, and he exalts and honors Him as such.Nebuchadnezzardid so: "Hedoethaccording toHiswill in thearmyofheaven,andamong the inhabitantsof theearth:andnonecanstayHishand,or sayuntoHim,WhatdoestThou" (Dan4:35).Even thoughwearenotprayingthatthiswillbedone,weneverthelessacknowledgethiswill,acquiesce in it,and fullysubmit to it,whileconfessing: "Be itwithmeaccordingtotheLord'sgoodpleasure;letHimdowithmeaspleasesHim;IdonotwishtheLord'ssovereignruleovermetoberestrictedbywhetherornotthispleasesme.Iambutclay,andletHimmake,break,or shape me according to His good pleasure. ‗For He performeth thethingthat isappointed forme: ...andwhatHissouldesireth,eventhatHedoeth' (Job23:14, 13).LetHimdo thisand letHimbesovereign indoingso!"

TherevealedwillofGod—thatis,thewillofHiscommand,themannerin

which we are to conduct ourselves in all respects and under allcircumstances—isthesubjectofourprayer.ThisdoesnotpertaintothewillofHiscommandasitrelatestoGodHimself,butasitrelatestoman.Thus, the petition is that man would do that which God wishes tocommand, doing so for the very reason that God commands it and ispleasedwithmanfordoingso—forweobservedailythatmandoesnotdowhat God commands. Yes, he prays this due to being acquainted withman'swickedness,hisownimpotence,aswellaswiththefactthatnoonewill, or is able to, obey God's commandment (and thus acknowledgeGod's majesty and rule) except God illuminates the understanding,changestheheart,andcausesustowalkaccordingtoHisinstitutionsandtokeepandobserveHisjudgments.TheLordpromisestodothisinEzek36:26-27,aswellasinJer31:33:"IwillputMylawintheirinwardparts,and write it in their hearts." Therefore the supplicant prays that Godwould manifest His omnipotence and goodness by granting thesupplicantandotherssuchahearttoknow,love,fear,andobeyHiminorderthatmanwouldtherebyshowthatGodisthesoleLord,ruler,andlawgiver, who by His very nature obligates all creatures to obedience.Davidexemplifiesthisforuswhenheprays,"TeachmeThystatutes"(Ps119:36); "Makeme tounderstand thewayofThyprecepts" (Ps 119:36);"InclinemyheartuntoThytestimonies"(Ps119:36);"MakemetogointhepathofThycommandments"(Ps119:35).

Wearetoemulatehiminthis,andtherebydemonstrateourdesirefortheglorificationofGod'sNamebythedoingofHiswill,acknowledgingourimpotenceduetothefoolishnessandwickednessofourheart.Moreover,wemust thereby acknowledge thatGod is good inbeingwilling to givethis,hastheabilitytogiveit,andisfaithfultofulfilHispromisestothesupplicant.Somuchforthefirstportion—thatis,thematterrequested.

TheMannerinWhichGod'sWillistoBeDone

Thesecondpartofthepetitionrelatestothemannerinwhichwearetobe willing to do God's will: "On earth as it is in heaven." It is neithercontrary to the text, nor to the matter itself to acknowledge here acontrastbetweenheavenandearth, or rather, a onenessofheavenandearth.Thus thepetition is: "Thywillnotonlybedone inheavenas theangelsandthesoulsofthejustmadeperfectglorifyTheetherebydoing

Thywill,butletalsoThywillbedonebymenuponearth.MayThyNamethusbeglorifiedinheavenaswellasuponearth,anduponearthaswellas in heaven. The devil and the reprobate upon earth are not deemedworthy by Thee of this, as they neither desire this nor will ever do so.However,ThouhastformedapeopleforThyselfinorderthattheywouldshow forth Thy praise. Therefore, let Thy elect do so both in heaven—which they do and about which Thy children upon earth rejoice—anduponearthinThychurch,whichissoimperfectandinordertodosoisinneed of a greater measure of grace and of the Spirit. Illuminate andsanctify themmoreandmore inorderthat theymaybeequippedtodoThywill, and thusglorifyThyNameand that thusThywillbedoneonearthasitisinheaven."Fromthisperspectivealltheelectareviewedasone congregation who all join together in glorifying God by doing Hisgood pleasure. Observe the unity of the residents of heaven and thecongregationupon earth: "But ye are comeuntomountSion, anduntothecityofthelivingGod,theheavenlyJerusalem,andtoaninnumerablecompanyofangels,tothegeneralassemblyandchurchofthefirstborn,which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to thespirits of justmenmadeperfect, and to Jesus theMediator of thenewcovenant" (Heb 12:22-24). They are one people who rejoice in eachother'sactivity;thatis,intheirmutualglorificationofGod.However,thecomparison between heaven and earth can also be understood asreferringtothemannerinwhichthewillofGodistobedone—namely,thatmen upon earth do the will of God as heartily, eagerly, earnestly,joyously, and continually as the angels and the spirits of the justmadeperfect inheaven.It isnotsuggestedherethat it isdoneasperfectly.Abeliever indeed strongly desires this, strives for this, and will not restuntilhisobediencewillbeperfect.However,hedoesnotdesire to limittheHolyOneofIsrael.ItisagraciousgifttobeprivilegedandbeabletodothewillofGod,andoneisthereforegratefulforthesmallestmeasureof this, even though he longs for more. He does not dare to putrestrictions on themeasure, however, knowing that Godwill notmakeHis children perfect here. Rather, it is His will to leadHis children toperfection and felicity by faith in theMediatorwho is given unto dailyjustification and sanctification. Therefore, this is not prayed in theabsolute sense of theword andwith the designation that perfection beattained in thepresent time.Rather,one joins thecitizensofheaven in

theirendeavorandisdesiroustoemulatethemintheirzeal,desire,andlove—prayingthereforethathemayhavebothgraceandtheSpirittothatend.

(1) The residents of heaven do the will of God with an unfathomablewillingness."BlesstheLord,yeHisangels,thatexcelinstrength,thatdoHiscommandments,hearkeninguntothevoiceofHisword"(Ps103:20).This isalso thedesireof trueworshipers,and theyendeavor tobe thusengaged."ThypeopleshallbewillinginthedayofThypower"(Ps110:3).

(2) In heaven the most sacred reverence and deepest humility ismanifestedinthepresenceoftheLord.Theangelscovertheirfaceswhenthey declare the holiness and glory of God (Isa 6:2). The twenty-fourelderscasttheircrownsbeforethethroneandfalldownbeforeHimwhosatuponthethrone(Rev4:10).LikewiseeverybelieverdesirestodothewillofGodinaverymeekandhumbledisposition.Godwillsthatitbeso:"WhatdoththeLordrequireofthee,but...towalkhumblywiththyGod"(Mic6:8).SuchwasDavid'spractice:"InThyfearwillIworshiptowardThyholytemple"(Ps5:7).

(3)TheresidentsofheavendoGod'swilldiligentlyandzealously:

"WhomakethHisangelsspirits;Hisministersaflamingfire"(Ps104:4).The Lord alsowills thatHis children upon earth doHiswill zealously:"Notslothfulinbusiness;ferventinspirit;servingtheLord"(Rom12:11).

(4) Inheaven there isnothingbut joy.All that theydo theydowithaninexpressiblejoy.GodwillsthatalsouponearthHischildrenlikewisedoHiswillwithjoy."ServetheLordwithgladness"(Ps100:2).Thisisalsotheirdesire:"Itisjoytothejusttodojudgment"(Prov21:15).

(5) In heaven they never become weary, but they are always andsteadfastlydoingGod'swill:"ThereforearetheybeforethethroneofGod,and serve him day and night" (Rev 7:15). Likewise, God wills that Hispeopleuponearthalsobesteadfast in thedoingofHiswill. "Therefore,my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding intheworkoftheLord"(1Cor15:58).ThepetitionthereforeisthatwemaydothewillofGodaswillingly,humbly,diligently,zealously,joyously,and

steadfastlyastheresidentsofheavendo,eventhoughweshallnotattaintheirperfectionuntilweshalljointheminglory.Fromthenatureofthispetition,asdeclaredabove,everyonewillbeabletobeconvincedwhetherornorhepraysthispetitionaright.

TheVainRecitationofThisPetition

Manyrecitethispetitiondaily;however,itisnothingmorethanarecitalandthusnotaprayer.

(1)ThisistrueforallwhoarenotacquaintedwiththeLord'smajestyandworthinesstobeobeyed,wherebyallmen—andparticularlyeachofyouindividually—are obligated to submit to His will. They neitheracknowledge nor love this will with inner approbation. They neithersubmitthemselvestotheLord,offertheirservicestoHim,norwillinglydoHiswill,sothatinallthistheymightglorifyHisName,acknowledgeHimas theonlyGod,andexalt,magnify,andpraiseHim.Youwhoareconvinced that such is your disposition, what business do you have toprayandtosaytoGod,"Thywillbedone"?Foryouareneithersincereinthis, nor desire this, nor are desirous to do so. It is therefore nomorethan a rattling off of this petition in the presence of the majestic,omniscient,andholyGod.Howdoyoudare!Doyounot feartobecastintohellwithoneblow?

(2) This is true for youwho set God aside, letHim be for whatHe is,remove yourself far from Him, and live according to your own will,"fulfillingthedesiresofthefleshandofthemind"(Eph2:3);"...thatyeshould obey it in the lusts thereof" (Rom6:12); "... servingdivers lustsandpleasures"(Titus3:3).Youareapersonwhoallowsyourownwilltobethelawandmotiveforyourdoings,declaring,"IwilldothisandIwillnotdo that;period!Whohasany sayoverme, andofwhomdo Ineedcounsel?TowhomdoIneedtogiveanaccountofmydoings?Itpleasesmetoconductmyself inthismanner."NomatterwhatGodcommands,youwillnotdoit.IfGodforbidssomething,yourefusetodesist,foryourwillmust be done.Nevertheless you rattle off beforeGod, "Thywill bedone."

(3) Some are not even satisfiedwith doing their ownwill.Rather, they

insist that all men and beasts—and if they dared to say it, also God—wouldstandreadytodo theirwill.Anypersonwhodoesnot fulfil theirwishes and does not behave according to their will, can expect to bepenalized by them in as cruel a manner as possible. And if they werecapable, they would cause everyone to do their will. They do whateverthey are capable of, however, by showing aversion, hatred, wrath,vengefulness, and by verbal abuse and the infliction of injury. Eventhoughtheyinsistthatothersdotheirwill,theyneverthelesssaytoGod,"Thywillbedone."Attentivelytakenoteoftheseconvictingremarks.

First, youwho are such, and in such a frame pray, "Thywill be done"(whichhoweverisnoprayer),oughtindeedtobeinwardlyconvincedthatyou are mocking with God. How do you dare to rattle something offbeforethemosteminentandawe-inspiringMajesty,sayingsomethingtoHimwhich you do notmean andwill not do,whereas you intend, andactuallydotheveryopposite!IfyoudaretoproceedwithmockingGod,youwillexperiencethat"Godisnotmocked"(Gal6:7).Surely,Godwillmock with you when He will cast you away fromHimself. "I also willlaughatyourcalamity;Iwillmockwhenyourfearcometh"(Prov1:26);"Hethatturnethawayhisearfromhearingthelaw,evenhisprayershallbeabomination"(Prov28:9).

Secondly,youneverthelesswishtobeknownasaChristianandwouldbeoffendedifpeoplecalledyouaheathenoranatheist—whichthosebeingreferredtoabovetrulyare.BeassuredthatyouareneitherapartakerofChrist, nor of the benefits of the covenant of grace, for "they that areChrist'shavecrucifiedthefleshwiththeaffectionsandlusts"(Gal5:24).Those who are Christ's have yet remaining lusts which surface daily.However,theselustsaresubdued,controlled,andopposedinorderthattheymayberootedout.Suchpersonshatetheirownwillandgrievewhenitmanifestsitself.Onthecontrary,it isyourpleasure,delight,andyourvery activity to do your will. You are therefore without Christ, withoutGod, and without hope. Will you then yet proceed in this way withdelight?

Thirdly,youwholive,ashasbeensaid,accordingtoyourownwill,andthenstillsay,"Thywillbedone,"arenotonlymockingwithGodandarewithoutChristandwithouthope,buteternalcondemnationhangsabove

your head; eternal damnation will be your end. Hear what God saysconcerning you and to you: "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die"(Rom8:13)—notonlytemporaldeathwhichallmenhaveincommon,butalsoeternaldeath,thatis,damnation."Whoseendisdestruction,whoseGod is theirbelly,andwhoseglory is in theirshame,whomindearthlythings"(Phil3:19).Anddoyouaskwhateternaldamnationis?Consider2Thess1:8-9,whereweread,"InflamingfiretakingvengeanceonthemthatknownotGod,andthatobeynotthegospelofourLordJesusChrist:whoshallbepunishedwitheverlastingdestructionfromthepresenceoftheLord,andfromthegloryofhispower."Theapostlespeakslikewisetoyou: "But unto them that ... do not obey the truth, but obeyunrighteousness, indignationandwrath, tribulationandanguish" (Rom2:8-9).Consideralsoothertextsinwhicheternaldamnationisdescribed.Question your own conscience and give heed if itwill not cause you toperceive all this in some measure so that you may be alarmed by it.Therefore,donotgoon in thisway;eitherdesist frompraying,orpraythis petition reverently in the presence of God, earnestly desiring andhumblyrequestingthesame.

TheGodlyRebukedandExhorted

Thegodlydoindeedhavelight,life,andtruthwithinthemselves.Itisallstillsofeeble,however,andtheresidualcorruptionofnaturestillhassomuchstrength.Theyhavetostriveagainstthelustsofthefleshwhichwaragainstthesoul.Eventhoughtheirownwilldoesnothavedominionoverthem, it nevertheless frequently manifests itself, and readily meddleswithall things.Frequentlytheyarealsonotconsciousoftheirownwill,donotdetect itquicklyenough,anddonotstriveagainst itsufficiently.Toooftentheyaretooirreverentandcarelesswhentheypray,"Thywillbedone," for theperfect intention to turn fromand striveagainst theirown will is not present in an express and lively sense. They musttherefore humble themselves about their deficient prayers, seekforgivenessinthebloodofChrist,prayforstrengthtoopposetheirownwill,andhenceforthbemoreearnestindenouncingtheirownwill.Withasincere intent theymust striveagainst theirownwill andcome toGod,saying,"Thywillbedone."

Thereforerenounceyourownwill;thatis,treatitasastrangerwhomyoudonotknow.Donotconsultit,esteemitasyourenemy,hateit,rejectit,thrust it away from you, and do not heed it—however delightful andflattering itmay be—for everythingwould be defiled if yourwillwouldbutfindresidenceinyoursmallestfinger.Therefore,renounceyourownwill.

For, first of all, what are you—you, who are but a worm and aninsignificant,vain,sinful,andhatefulmonstrosity,thatyoushouldhaveawillwhichiscontrarytothewillofGod,whoisyourLord,lawgiver,andJudge?Whoareyou thatyourownwillwouldbe toyouasa lord, law,andrule—yes, thatyou insistuponothersalsoconformingtoyourwill?Something more unbecoming, despicable, and contemptible is notimaginable.Abhoryourself,beashamed,andhideyourselfsothatneitherGod,angels,normenwillseeyou.Doyoudaretomaintainyourownwillin opposition to the holy will of the sovereign God? Shame on you!Hastentothrustoutandmortifyyourwill,forthisisnotbecomingtoonewho isbutanantandamonstrosity; it is intolerable. I cannot find thewordstogiveexpressiontothehatefulnessandintolerablenatureofallthis.Hastentothrustyourownwillfromyouasfaraspossible.

Secondly,whatisitthatyourownwilldesires?Doesitdesiresomethingwhichisbeautiful,glorious,honest,andbeneficial?No,butitdesiresthatwhichisimpure,thelustoftheeyes,thelustoftheflesh,andtheprideoflife.Itdesirestobehonoredbyaworm—yes,byonewhoisboundforhell—andthusyoudesiretobelovedbythosewhoarehateful.Yourdesiresrelatetoasplendidpieceofrealestate,thatwhichisvanity,thingswhichperish,thingswhichpollutethesoul,andthingswhichatbestareofnobenefit.TheyarethingswhichareprohibitedbyGod,andwill leadsoulandbodytohell.WillthesethingsbemoregloriousanddelightfultoyouthanGod,Hiswill,andthethingsinwhichGoddelights?Shallyourwillbe in direct opposition to the will of God? If God says, "I hate thesethings,andyouwillneitherdesire,seek,norfocusuponthem,"willyouthen say, "I wish to covet, seek, and have them"? Will that which isinferiorprevailoverthatwhichissuperior;thatwhichisdefiledoverthatwhich is holy; and thatwhich is harmful over thatwhich is beneficial?Therefore,renounceyourownwillifyouwishtopray,"Thywillbedone."

Thirdly,believingsupplicants,youhavecertainlynot received thespiritofthisworld,buttheSpiritwhichisfromGod.Doesn'tthisSpiritcompelyou to renounce the world and to desire and seek after that which isdivine?Youareindeedapartakeroftheheavenlycalling,andbythisyouhavebeendrawnoutofthispresentevilworld.Wouldyouwishtoreturnto it again and reinstate the earthly will which you have renounced asbeinglordoveryou?Thatpreciousgospelbywhichyouhavebeencalledteaches us that we should renounce ungodliness and the lusts of thisworld.Howthen,beingsubjecttothelightofthegospel,couldyoufollowyourownsinful,andworldlywill?SinceyouhavebeenbornofGodandhavebeenmadeapartakerofthedivinenature,thenasachildyouloveGodasyourFatherandhavereceivedanobedienthearttodothewillofyourFatherandtodelightinthelawofGodaftertheinwardman.Whatbusinessdoyouthereforehavewithyourownsinfulwill,whichishostileto thewillofGod?Cause it therefore tobesilent, trample itunder footwhenitassertsitself,striveagainstit,donotyieldtoitintheleast,castitout,andopposeitbypraying,"Notmy,butThywillbedone."

Fourthly, the doing of your ownwill engenders nothing but sorrow foryou.Itwounds,defiles,anddeformsthesoul;itcausessorrowaswellasaloss of freedomand peace.God,who is all your light and desire, hidesHimself and lets you mourn alone. While standing from afar, you arevulnerabletodriftingawayfurtherandfurtherbythesmallestbreezeoflust.Shouldyouthenallowyourselftobeasafeharborforyourenemy?No,youmustexpelhimandchasehimawayasyouwouldathiefandamurdererfromyourhome.Onthecontrary,therenouncingofyourownwillshallyieldmuchblessingforyouasitwillgiveyoufreeaccesstotheFather through Christ. It will engender much peace, result in greatpersonal freedom,andgiveyouboldness todischargeyourduty towardothers. You will find yourself to be delivered from desires for earthlythings and there is thus nothing to lose nor fear. Yes, the Lord willabundantlyrequitethelossofhonor,love,possessionsandpleasurewithspiritualblessingsandoccasionallyalsowithtemporalblessings—beitinabundanceorasmuchasisneedfulorbeneficialforyou.

CompliancewithGod'sWillDuringSeasonsofAffliction

When you pray with your heart, "Thy will be done," then you areacknowledging theLord'smajesty, claim, and authority over you. ThenyouwillacknowledgewithdelightandjoythatHealoneissovereignandisLord,andyouarethus fullysubmittingyourself toHimandHiswill.YoutherebyrequestthatHedealwithyouinfullaccordancewithHiswillandpleasure, thusacquiescing in the fact that youwillhavenothing tosayinthematter.YouaretherebyleavingeverythinginHishands,sinceyou know you are neither able nor willing to act contrary to Him,knowing that He will deal with you in a fatherly manner and, beingreconciledwithHiminChrist,all thingswillworktogetherforgoodforyou.

If the Lord then afflicts you—asHewillmost certainly dowith allHischildren,notoneexcepted—youaretoreflectuponyourpetitionandthuswithallquietnesssubjectyourselftothewill(thischastisingwill)ofyourFather.Thisisnottoimplythatyouwouldnotbeconsciousofyourcross,for that would be unnatural and an implicit despising of the God whochastises—whichprovokesHimtowrath."Thouhaststrickenthem,buttheyhavenotgrieved"(Jer5:3).It isalsonotcontrarytosubmissiontothe will of God if we desire to be delivered from those oppressing orthreateningcircumstances.Youmayindeedprayfordeliveranceandyoumay indeeduse lawfulmeans tobedelivered from it.However, all thismust be practiced while embracing the will of God, being much moredesirousthatGod'swillbedonetowardusthanthatwebedeliveredfromthe cross. Rather, you would be opposing the Lord's will if you werefretful."Neitherbewearyofhiscorrection"(Prov3:11).Suchoccurswhenyoutherebybecomediscouraged,rejectyourspiritualstate,andviewallthisasproceedingfromtheavengingjusticeandwrathofGod;whenyouharbor hard thoughts toward God and entertain doubts about theprovidenceofGod:"Thouartbecomecrueltome:withThystronghandThouopposestThyselfagainstme"(Job30:21);"LestI...takethenameofmyGod in vain" (Prov 30:9); orwhen youwish for death and,withJudas, entertain thoughts to hang yourself: "So that my soul choosethstrangling, and death rather than my life" (Job 7:15). It occurs if youbecomeenviousoftheprosperityofthewicked:"ForIwasenviousatthefoolish,whenIsawtheprosperityofthewicked.ForallthedaylonghaveIbeenplagued,andchastenedeverymorning" (Ps73:3, 14);and if you

begintodoubtastowhetherGodtrulyrulesallthings—whetherthisevilproceeds from the Lord, whetherHe sees thosewho are destitute, andwhetherHehearstheircryorhelpsthemindeed.

TodosoistocontendwiththeAlmighty(Job40:2),andisahardeningofourselves: "Who hath hardened himself against Him, and hathprospered" (Job9:4).When suchor similar thoughts, dispositions, andinner motions manifest themselves, you oppose the Lord, not beingsubmissive to the will of God. Then you bring a threefold cross uponyourselfaswellasachastisementwhichyouwillnotbeabletoavoid.Youwillincreasinglybeafflictedwithgrief,andnotbearingthecrosswellwillbemoregrievousthanthechastisementitself.Thecrosswillalsobemadeheavier and be of longer duration, for God will prevail: "That Thoumightestbe justified inThysayings,andmightestovercomewhen thouart judged" (Rom3:4). Youwould cause the Lord towithdrawHimselffrom you: "Be thou instructed, O Jerusalem, lestMy soul depart fromthee"(Jer6:8).Haveyouthengainedtheupperhand?Therefore, inallquietnesssubmityourselftothechastisinghandoftheLord,andsay,"IwillbeartheindignationoftheLord,becauseIhavesinnedagainstHim"(Mic7:9).LearnfromakingtobringyoursoulintosubmissionuntotheLord.HesaidinPs39:9,"Iwasdumb,Iopenednotmymouth;becauseThoudidstit."

Andshoulditnotbehooveyoutoconductyourselflikewise?

First,isnottheLordthesovereignGod?MaynotHedowithHisownaspleasesHim?DoyouhavearighttodemandfromHimwhyHisdealingsarethus?WouldyouindeeddesirethattheLordbeobligatedtoyouandberequiredtodoyourwill?Certainlynot;yourejoicethatHeisGod,issovereign, and is exalted above all.Why then, as you acknowledgeHismajesty,wouldyounotwillinglysubmityourselftoHim—evenifitwerewithtearsinyoureyesduetothegriefyoumustendure?

Secondly,believers,isnotHeyourreconciledFatherinChrist?DoesnotHeactinlove—evenifitisduetopaternaldispleasurewithyourdeeds?"Asmany as I love, I rebuke and chasten" (Rev3:19). Should you thenrenderopposition to loveandbe fretfulover themanifestationof love?Thisiswheretheproblemlies.Youthink:"IfonlyIknewthatGodloves

me,Iwouldquietlyandwillinglyendure theaffliction." It is thatwhichbegetsyourfretfulness.OvercomethisandhumblysubmityourselftothechastisinghandoftheLordandyouwillbetterperceivethegracewhichthe Lord has bestowed in you. During temptation you are not able toascertain your spiritual statebywayof themarksof grace.Rather, youmustdeemthistobeafact,andexercisefaithinstead.ThiswillbringyouclosertoGodandcauseyoutolookuntoJesus;allthatleadstotheLordJesus, and through Him to God, cannot be counterfeit. Therefore,consider that the cross is a consequenceofGod'sdispleasureover yoursinfulbehavior,but youmustat the same timeesteem it asproceedingfromapaternalheartinordertotherebysanctifyyouanddrawyouawayfromsin.Withthisinmind,submityourselfuntotheLord."Furthermorewehavehad fathersofour fleshwhichcorrectedus, andwegave themreverence:shallwenotmuchratherbe insubjectionuntotheFatherofspirits"(Heb12:9).

Thirdly,thechastisement,whenyoubearitwellandembracethewillofGod in it,will be greatly beneficial to you.This isGod's very objective:"He(chastises)forourprofit,thatwemightbepartakersofHisholiness.Nowno chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous:nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousnessuntothemwhichareexercisedthereby"(Heb12:10-11).

Even if you do not perceive the beneficial nature of the chastisement,then do not be surprised by this, for the fruit will come afterwards.Therefore, "Commit thyway unto the Lord; trust also inHim; andHeshall bring it to pass" (Ps 37:5), and you will experience what Davidexperiencedandsay,"It isgoodformethatIhavebeenafflicted;thatImight learnThystatutes.Iknow,OLord,thatThyjudgmentsareright,and that Thou in faithfulness hast afflictedme.Before Iwas afflicted Iwentastray:butnowhaveIkeptThyword"(Ps119:71,75,67).

TheHolyObligationtoDoGod'sWill

Believingsupplicants,itdoesnotsufficetorenounceyourownwillandtobesubmissivetotheLord'swillinaffliction.Rather,youwhopray,"Thywillbedone,"mustknowthatitisalsoyourdutytodothewillofGodbylivingaccordingtoHisprecepts;forwhateverabelieverprays,heisalso

willing to do.Therefore, acknowledge the obligationwhich is upon youwithyourwholeheart—notonlyduetobeingGod'screature,butalsoinview ofHis relationship to you as being your Father in Christ. Submityourselfas such to theLordandsay, "IamThyservant—yes, IamThyservant."OfferyourselftotheLordbyreasonofthatrelationshipandsay,"Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth."Neither do anything carelessly,nor because it seems good to you, but ask theLord for counsel: "Lord,whatwiltThouhavemetodo?"DonotaskthiswiththedesirethattheLordwouldansweryouaccordingtoyourwishes,butaswithasenseofholyindifferencethatitbeasitpleasestheLord,seekingforHiswill inyoureverydeed.GodhasrevealedHiswillinHisWordandwethereforeare neither in need of nor should expect, desire, or request immediaterevelationseach time.Rather,wemustcome to theLordbywayofHisWordwhichisalampforourfeetandalightuponourpath.Thenshallwe not be ashamed when we have respect unto all the Lord'scommandments.

Donotonlypray,butlistenwithreadinessanddesireforananswer.BereadytohearwhattheLordwillspeaktoyou,desiringthatHewouldnotonlydirectyoubyHisWordas towhatHiswill towardyou is,butalsothatHewouldenlivenyoursoulandkindleitwithlovetowardHiswill,and cause you to subscribe to His will with willing obedience andmaintain such a disposition in you. Therefore, let compliance withGod'srevealedwillbeyouronlyduty,andsaywithDavid,"Ihavechosenthewayof truth:Thy judgmentshaveI laidbeforeme.ThytestimonieshaveItakenasanheritageforever:fortheyaretherejoicingofmyheart.IhaveinclinedminehearttoperformThystatutesalway,evenuntotheend" (Ps 119:30, 111-112). Do not only resolve to do so with resolutedetermination, but carry it out and engage yourself with delight.Reverently seek to be pleasing to the Lord in all your deeds. Do nothesitate and neither consult your own will nor consider your owninterests, but subscribe to the doing of God's will with a ready mind.HastenanddonotdelaytoobservetheLord'scommandment.Whateveryoudo intheLord'sservice,do itwithazealousspiritandwith ferventearnestness, such being your pleasure and delight. God is not pleasedwhenweperceive our service toHimas troublesome andburdensome.Therefore,greatlydelightyourself intheLord'scommandments,andlet

itbeajoytoyouifyoumaydosomethingwhichwillbepleasingtotheLord. Conquer all external and internal hindrances and opposition.Persevere courageously in all circumstances and be as the horse of theLord's majesty in battle, while being "stedfast, unmoveable, alwaysabounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that yourlabourisnotinvainintheLord"(1Cor15:58).

FinalExhortation

Therefore, childrenofGod, since youpray, "Thywill bedone," andaredesirous todo theLord'swill in theplaceassigned to you, stirupyoursoul to that end so that youmay execute it in a livelymanner. For nomatterwhereyouturn,youaresurroundedbythosewhocryouttoyou,"Oh,dotheLord'swill."

First,whenyou focusuponGod, youwillperceive thatHe isworthyofthis forHe is themajesticandexaltedOne.He isyourMaker,andyouexist byHis powerful influences. IfHewere towithdraw this but for amoment, youwould no longer exist. Apart fromHis infusion of poweryouwouldnotbeabletosee,hear,ormove.Hewhoisinsuchapositionand is so dependent upon the exalted, glorious, holy, and omnipotentGod—wouldsuchapersonnotbeengagedwithhisentiresoulandallitsfacultiestodoHiswill?ChildrenofGod,theLordlovesyou.Motivatedbylove He has given you His Son to be a Surety and Savior. He hasredeemedyou,grantedyouspirituallife,adoptedyoutobeHischildren,and ordained you for eternal glory.When considering that, should youthennot receivewings to embrace, love, anddo thewill ofGodwith aburningheart,solelybecauseHeistheLordandyourFather?Thechurchofoldboastedinthis:"FortheLordisourjudge,theLordisourlawgiver,theLordisourking"(Isa33:22).

Secondly,whenyoufocusuponthewillofGod,youwillperceiveittobedelightful;allthatHerequiresfromusisdelightful."And...thatyemayprovewhat is thatgood,andacceptable,andperfect,willofGod"(Rom12:2).All thatGodcommands ispureandholy. "The lawof theLord isperfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure,makingwisethesimple.ThestatutesoftheLordareright,rejoicingtheheart:thecommandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes" (Ps 19:7-8).

HowcansomeonewhoknowstheLordrefrainfromembracingthewillofhisLordand fromobservingHis commandmentswith joy? "It is joy tothejusttodojudgment"(Prov21:15).

Thirdly,todothewillofGodistoglorifyGod.Itisthedelight,pleasure,and joyofachildofGodthatGodbeknown, feared,andglorified,andthatnonebutHebeLord,theMostHigh,theHolyOne,andthelawgiver.ThiswedobyourselvesandwithotherswhenwedoHiswill."HereinisMyFatherglorified,thatyebearmuchfruit"(John15:8).

Fourthly,ourLordissogoodthatHewillreciprocatetothedoerofHiswill all that he does in His service out of love, with filial fear, andwillingly.IfwedotheLord'spleasure—ohwonder—thenHewill inturndo our pleasure. "He will fulfil the desire of them that fear Him" (Ps145:19).Hewill reward them richly: "In keeping of them there is greatreward"(Ps19:11).Allrestlessnessofthesoulistheconsequenceofdoingourownwill; but in thedoingofGod'swill there isnothingbutpeace:"Great peace have they which love Thy law: and nothing shall offendthem"(Ps119:165).Spiritual life isbut feeble inbelieversand itgrievesthem that they do notmakemore progress. Therefore, begin to do theLord'swill sincerely, according to your feeble strength—as a child—andtheLordwillgiveyouincrease."EverybranchinMethatbeareth...fruit,Hepurgethit,thatitmaybringforthmorefruit"(John15:2).

The hiding of God's countenance is most bitter for a child of God;however,HisrevelationofHimselftohimconstitutesallhisjoy.TheLordgrants this privilege to all that do His will: "Thou meetest him thatrejoiceth andworketh righteousness, those that rememberThee inThyways"(Isa64:5).Therefore,enteruponthiswaywhichleadstosalvation."Blessed is themanwhose strength is in Thee; in whose heart are theways of them.They go from strength to strength, every one of them inZionappearethbeforeGod"(Ps84:5,7).

TheFourthPetition:GiveUsThisDayOurDailyBread

There isaChristianproverbasexpressedbyapagan:"Orandumest,utsitmens sana in corpore sano,"whichmeans: "One ought to pray thatthere be a healthy soul in a healthy body." This is in agreement with

John's wish expressed to Gaius: "Beloved, I wish above all things thatthoumayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth" (3John2).HowdelightfulisthistestimonyaddressedtoGaius!Ingeneralwemustnowreversethisandsay,"Iwishthatyoursoulmayprosperasyourbodyprospers."Forweobserve in this thatwealsoare tocare forthebody,forifwearetohallowGod'sName,edifythecongregation,anddothewillofGod,weareinneedofasoulandabodywhicharebothinhealth.Iftheoneisnothealthy,theotherwillbehinderedandtheentiremancannotfunctionproperly.

TheRelationshipBetweenSoulandBody

Thesoulinfluencesthebody.Ahealthysoulbenefitsthebody,whereasatroubledsoulhasanilleffectuponthebody."Amerryheartdoethgoodlikeamedicine:butabrokenspiritdrieth thebones" (Prov 17:22).Thebody also influences the soul and is irritated by ill health. "Let not sintherefore reign in yourmortal body, that ye should obey it in the luststhereof"(Rom6:12).Thisisalsoevidentinthefollowingpassage:"ButIseeanotherlawinmymembers,warringagainstthelawofmymind,andbringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members"(Rom 7:23). The apocryphal book Wisdom has a splendid proverb inchapter 9:15: "For the corruptible bodyweighs down the soul, and theearthly tabernacle weigheth down the mind that nurseth upon manythings."Therefore,wemusttakecarethatbothsoulandbodyarebroughtandkeptingoodhealthinordertobefitfortheserviceoftheLord."Foryeareboughtwithaprice:thereforeglorifyGodinyourbody,andinyourspirit, which are God's" (1 Cor 6:20). If the health of both is to bemaintained, they are in need of nourishment. The soul, being animmortal spirit, has no need of anything for the maintenance of itsexistence except the preserving influence of God. However, for itsspiritualwell-beingitisinneedofspiritualfoodinthislife—whichistheWordofGodappliedbyfaith.TheWordofGodistheincorruptibleseedof her regeneration (1 Pet 1:23). TheWord ofGod is her nourishment,resultinginthegrowthofherspirituallife."Asnewbornbabes,desirethesinceremilkoftheword,thatyemaygrowthereby"(1Pet2:2).

The body is also in need of food. It has its origin in the earth and itsnourishment proceeds from the earth, whereby both its essence and

motionsaremaintained.Unconvertedmen,whohavenothinginviewbutearthly things, are very desirous for that which is earthly, wishing togratify and entertain themselves therewith. In this respect, they almostresemble the irrational animals, for it is as if they live in order to eat,whereas they ought to eat in order to live. "Frommen which are Thyhand,OLord, frommenof theworld,whichhave their portion in thislife, and whose belly Thou fillest with Thy hid treasure" (Ps 17:14). Abeliever does not wish to have earthly things as his portion—they arebeneathhim.Hedoesnotdesireearthlythingsfortheirownsake,butasameansuntosomethingelse: tomaintainthebody ina fitcondition inorder to serve the Lord.He knows that it is only the Lordwho causesbread to come forth out of the earth—that "He giveth to the beast hisfood,andtotheyoungravenswhichcry"(Ps147:9);alsogivingmanhisfoodandraiment:"TheeyesofallwaituponThee;andThougivestthemtheirmeatindueseason"(Ps145:15).HeknowsthattheLordmustalsorender the food efficacious to be nourishing, and therefore a believerlooksunto theLordandprays, "Feedmewith food convenient forme"(Prov 30:8). It is this which the Lord Jesus teaches us to pray in thefourthpetition.

ThePositionofThisPetition

Many have investigated why the Lord Jesus places the petitionconcerningthemaintenanceofthebodyinthefourthplaceandwillsthattherebeprayerforthewelfareofthesoulinthefifthandsixthpetition.Itcannot be easily ascertained who has most closely approximated thereasonforthis.Allagreethatthisprayerisperfect—notonlyinregardtothe matters it contains, but also as far as the order is concerned. Inapplying this to this petition some say that the Lord Jesus adjustsHimself to human weakness, which causes man to be very concernedaboutfoodandraimentforthebody.Hewouldthereforeteachusfirsttopray for the body, so thatwe, being freed from anxiety concerning thebody,wouldhavethatmuchmorefreedomtoprayforthewelfareofthesoul. Others insist that the Lord Jesuswishes to guide us step by stepfrom the physical to the spiritual. Others divide the petitions into twodivisions,maintaining that the first four petitions are requests for thatwhich is good, whereas the last two petitions are invocations for the

averting of evil. They then divide these benefits into heavenly (whichprecede in the first three petitions) and temporal benefitswhich, beingleastimportant,followinthefourthpetition,uponwhichtheinvocationsfollow. Again, others divide the petitions as follows: In the first threepetitionsGodistheimmediateobjectoftherequests;themosteminentpetition has the primary position. In the last three petitions, however,man is the immediateobject,andthatwhich is least important is listedfirst;onehastoexistbeforehecanbewell.However,whoshallbeabletoadvance an infallible argument regarding the order which will besatisfactory soasnot tobe subject to counter-argumentation?We shallnow proceed to consider the petition itself. In this petition we mustconsiderindividually1)thematterwhichisrequested:ourdailybread;2)forwhomwepray:us;and3)themannerinwhichwerequestthereceiptofbread:notbywayofpurchase,butasagift;andnotonceandforall,buteveryday."Giveusthisday."

TheMatterRequested

Thematterrequestedisbread,whichisfurtherdefinedasouranddailybread.Theword"bread"heredoesnotrefertotheLordJesusChrist,whocallsHimselftheBreadofLife(John6:35)becauseHeisthespirituallifeofGod'schildrenandthemaintainerofthatlife.ThereferencehereisnottothebreadoftheLord'sSupperasitrelatestothebodyofChrist—asisthecasein1Cor10:16.Rather,itreferstothecommonnourishmentforthehumanbody."...thatHemaybringforthfoodoutoftheearth...andbread which strengtheneth man's heart" (Ps 104:14-15). In a generalsense it refers to all manner of food and all necessities which aresubservienttoman'ssupport.Jacobpreparedagreatmealandinvitedhisbrethren "to eat bread: and they did eat bread" (Gen 31:54). Thus, theHebrewword (lechem)signifiesbread, that is, allmannerof food."Whogivethfoodtoallflesh"(Ps136:25);"Iatenopleasantbread"(Dan10:3). Since the maintenance of the body is here requested, the word"bread" is also understood to refer to drink as well as clothing—all ofwhichthebodyneeds.Jacobexpressedthis:"IfGod...willgivemebreadto eat, and raiment toputon" (Gen28:20), and the apostle says, "Andhavingfoodandraimentletusbetherewithcontent"(1Tim6:8).

All manner of livelihood—particularly food—is expressed here by the

word "bread," this being the preeminent andmost nourishing food. "...bread which strengtheneth man's heart" (Ps 104:15). It is the mostessential food, for without bread one cannot live well; however, it ispossible to live without meat or fish, these being referred to assupplementary foods(John21:5).27It is themostpleasantofall foods:breadalwaystastespleasantwhenwearehungry;wenevertireofit.Itisthemost common of all foods, for people of all ranks—high and low—makeuseof it. It is thefoodmostusedinmoderation, forwedesirenomore of it than we need for the satisfaction of our hunger. The BreadReferred to as Our Bread This bread is designated as our bread.Somethingisreferredtoasbeingourswhenweeitherhaveneedofitforour existence, or if we are the owners of it. By nature we do not ownanythingbeforeGod,sincebyreasonofsinwehavelostarighttoallthatAdamhad.Theearthiscursedduetosin:"Cursedisthegroundforthysake;insorrowshaltthoueatofitallthedaysofthylife"(Gen3:17).Andthesinneriscursedinallthathelayshishandson:"Cursedshallbethybasketandthystore.Cursedshallbethefruitofthybody,andthefruitofthy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep" (Deut28:17-18).Everythingintheheavens—thesunandmoon—andherebelowservesthesinnerunwillinglyandreluctantly,andgroanscontrarytohim(Rom 8:20-22). Nevertheless, it is the Lord's goodness that He grantsfood and raiment to sinners in whomHe has no pleasure—sometimesmoreabundantlythantothegodlywhoarenotintendedtohavemoreofthissothattheymayknowthatGodisgood.However,thebread—allthatthegodlyenjoy,andallthattheyprayfor—belongstothem;theyhavearighttoit.First,theyhavearighttoitthroughChrist.TheLordJesushaspurchaseditwithHisbloodand,theybeingHisfavorites,hasgivenittothem."Forall thingsareyours; ... thingspresent,or things tocome;allareyours;andyeareChrist's"(1Cor3:21-23).

Secondly,theyhavearighttoitfromman'sperspective,sincethatwhichthey possess has rightfully become theirs either by way of inheritance,business transactions, or their labor. This is in contrast tounrighteousness,laziness,andwastefulspendingwhichcausesonetobereducedtopovertyandhemust then live fromthegenerosityofothers.Theapostleconfirmsthis:"...thatwithquietnesstheywork,andeattheirownbread"(2Thess3:12).If,however,someonehasappliedhimselfand

has been thrifty, and yet is unable tomake any progress, requiring thesupportofothers,thisisnotunrighteous.Rather,itishisbreadwhichtheLord has given him—even though "it is more blessed (more blissful,honest,anddelightful)togivethantoreceive"(Acts20:35).Theungodly,asfarasmanisconcerned—eventhoughtheyhavenorighttoanythinginreference to God—nevertheless, have a right to all that they possesslawfully.Whenwe pray for bread,we are also praying against poverty."Givemeneitherpovertynorriches"(Prov30:8).

ThisBreadReferredtoasDailyBread

We pray here for bread—for our bread, and for daily bread. Since theword"daily,"asrecordedhereintheoriginaltext, isnowhereelsetobefoundintheNewTestament,thereareseveralsentimentsregardingtheoriginofthisword.Yetthereisnoimplicitabsurdityinthismatter.Theexceptionhereisthatthepapists,byderivingthewordfrom (epi)and (ousia), translate it as supernatural essence. Theyunderstand this to refer to the bread of the mass, and since in theiropinionthebreadvanishesandchangesintoChrist,theythusunderstandit to refer toChrist,who is repeatedly referred toas "bread" inJohn6.Aside fromthe fact that transubstantiation isnothingbuta fabrication,the word does not imply this—even if it were derived from (epi ousia), for the word (ousia) neversignifiesessence in theNewTestament.Rather, inLuke15:12-13 (therebeingnootherreferences)itsignifiespossessions—temporalpossessions."Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me ... and therewastedhis substance."And even if this hadbeen imported frompaganphilosophersandunderstoodtorefertotheextra-essential,itwouldnotsignifysupernatural, spiritualbread—that isnot impliedby thewordatall. Rather, extra-essential would mean that we are in need of breadoutsideof our essential existence inorder to support andmaintainouressential existence. Such is the interpretation of this word by manyReformed. Others maintain that it is a derivative of the word (epeimi),thatis,"tofollow,""tocomeintheplaceof."Asasecondaoristactive participle we have , (epioon, epiousa),fromwhichisderived (epiousios),thatis,"following,""that which follows." As such it is understood in Acts 7:26:

,thefollowingday.Inthissense(albeitwithadifferentword)itisusedinJames2:15:"Ifabrotherorsisterbenaked,anddestitute of daily food."And inLuke 11:3 thephrasedaybyday isaddedtothispetition.Onthebasisofthis,theabovewordcancorrectlybetranslatedasdaily,orbreadwhichfollowsdaybyday—foritisthewillofGodthatmanwouldexistbytheuseofdailynourishment,ratherthanreceiving everything all at once. This concludes the first portion: thematterrequested.

ForWhomthisRequestIsMade

Thesecondportionpertains to thepersons forwhomwerequestbodilysustenance:"Giveus."Thepronoun"us"refersto:First, thesupplicantsthemselves, for people aremost closely involvedwith themselves. Lovemustbeginwithourselves, forweareto loveourneighborasourselves.Lovemust therefore begin in ourselves, butmust not end in ourselves;ratheritistoextendtoourneighbor.

Secondly, we pray for all God'schildrenwho, together with us, addressGodasourFather,andwethusprayfortheentirechurchofGod,asifwesay:"Thychildren—Thychurchisdefenseless.Theyareneitherablenorwilling to govern their own affairs nor to make ends meet with eitherlegitimateorillegitimatemeans.SuchisthepracticeoftheworldwhichhasasitsobjectivetoharmThychildrenandchurchasmuchaspossible.Therefore,careThouforthemandprovidefoodandraimentforthem,sothat theymaybeable to live,and that theworldmaysee thatThouarttheir God and Father who protects and cares for them." Thirdly, theirlove, and thus also their compassion, goes yet beyond that. The godlyprayforallmenwhohavebeencreatedinidentical fashionaswewere,andsharethesameexistencewithus.Sincetheyneedfoodandraimentas we do, they pray that the Lordwho has granted them lifemay alsopreserve their life through nourishment. For believers are of the samenatureastheirheavenlyFather,who"makethHissuntoriseontheevilandonthegood,andsendethrainonthe justandontheunjust"(Matt5:45); "TheLord isgood toall: andHis tendermerciesareoverallHisworks"(Ps145:9).HereintheyrejoiceandpraiseGodforit,andtheyarethusmovedtorequestthatwhichisgoodforthemselves.

TheMannerofTheirRequest

The third portion relates to themanner inwhich the godly pray. Theyneither demand it as if they had a claim to it, nor do they desire tobargain for it. Rather, they request it as a gift: "Out of unmeritedgoodness, give." They do not even request this for their entire lifetime,butrepeatedlyaskitfortoday.

Whenwepray,"Give,"thenweacknowledgethereby:(1)thatwecannotexist in and of ourselves; (2) that we are neither capable of producingnourishment,norofrenderingto foodtheefficacytobenourishing;(3)that we have not merited it, but by our sins have made ourselvesunworthy of the same; (4) that it is the Lord who renders the earthfruitful,bringing"forthfoodoutoftheearth"(Ps104:14).It istheLordwho gives to each his portion; He renders food efficacious fornourishment.Neitherourcare,ourlabor,northefooditselfwillbetoourbenefit apart from the Lord's blessing. Such is the case when "theLord...doth take away...the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay ofwater,"whichiswhatHethreatenstodoinIsaiah3:1;thatis,when"yeeat,butyehavenotenough;yedrink,butyearenotfilledwithdrink;yeclotheyou,but there isnonewarm;andhe that earnethwagesearnethwagestoputitintoabagwithholes"(Hag1:6).Onthecontrary,however,when the Lord bestows His blessing then everything prospers: "Thoucrownest the yearwithThy goodness; andThypaths drop fatness. Thepastures are clothedwith flocks; the valleys also are covered overwithcorn" (Ps 65:11, 13). Then our foodwill satisfy us and our raimentwillwarm us: "...to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing" (Isa 23:18).Thus,aschildrenweare topray to theLordasourFather,askingHimthatHewould give us food to eat and clothing towear; thatHewouldgrantushealthtopartakeofourfood;andthatHewouldrenderourfoodefficaciousuntonourishment,sinceinallthingswearedependentupontheLordandaretoexpectallthingsfromHim.

WearetopraythatGodwouldgiveusourbreadtoday."Today"impliesrepeatedprayer—asmuch asweneed it.We are in need of bread eachday,andeachdayistoday.Thus,wedonotpraytoreceiveitonceandforall,butrather,thatwewouldreceiveiteachdaybyrenewal.Thisisnottosuggest that we should consume it all each day, for God in one day

generally gives a portion formany days. Rather, we acknowledge eachdaythatwhatwehaveisfromtheLord;thatithasbeenpreservedbytheLordandthatHehaspermittedustokeepit;andthatalsouponthisdaywe are permitted to eat to the satisfaction of our hunger and to themaintenanceofourstrength.For,"Manshallnotlivebybreadalone,butbyeverywordthatproceedethoutofthemouthofGod"(Matt4:4).Ifwehavenothinginsupply,wearetopetitionGodthatHewouldgiveusonthisdayasHeispleasedandabletogiveus—evenifwecannotperceivewhere itwillcomefrom."TheeyesofallwaitonThee;andThougivestthemtheirmeatindueseason"(Ps145:15).Oh,howsweetitistoliveoutofthehandofGodandtohaveconfidencefreefromanyapprehension!

TheLessonsthisPetitionTeaches

This petition provides us with many essential and beneficial lessons.When we pray for bread we are reminded that we are not to be agourmand,28forthenwedonotprayinapleasingmanner.Theapostlespeaks of this in James 4:3: "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye askamiss,thatyemayconsumeituponyourlusts."Tobeagourmanddoesnotrelatetotheabilitytotastethedistinctionbetweenfoods,preferringtheoneovertheother;orif,uponbeingill,wereflectaboutwhatwehavean appetite for; or if occasionally we enjoy delicious foods, eat the fatthings, drink that which is sweet, and send portions to the poor (Neh8:11). One is a gourmand: (1) if, being healthy, he reflects upon thatwhich is delectable, andhow itwill be prepared in themost delectablemanner; (2) if he has a continual longing for something delectable, fordiningengagements,andthinksofexoticspreadsinhisimagination;(3)whenheisoccupiedwithgourmetfoodstosuchadegreethatitappearstobetheveryessenceofenjoyment,andifthisisfrequentlythesubjectofconversation; (4) if he pursues such delicacies at any cost, even if hewouldhavetoborrowfromothersandneverpaythemback;(5)ifheisina bad humor when he is deprived of something delectable, and if hecomplains,grumbles,frets,andisangryiffoodisnotproperlyprepared,andcommonlyquarrelswiththecook;(6)ifheenjoysadelectablemealeitherathisownorsomeoneelse'stable,andthenoverindulgestosuchanextentthatheisnotfitforanythingelsebutsleep.

First,youwhoareagourmand—howcanyouprayforbreadifyouhave

hadenoughbreadandyoursoulabhorsitasbeinglowlyanddistastefulfood, and you only make use of it to render other foods all the moredelicious?Bread is thebasic food, andall other foodsaredainties.Youreverse this, however, bymaking bread a dainty; you do not pray thispetition sincerely, but you mock with God by your inattentive andirreverent prattling. And even if in somemeasure you are conscious ofwhatyouareprayingfor,youareultimatelynotinterestedinbread,butratherindelicacies.

Secondly,youcanthusreadilyconvinceyourselfthatyouserveyourbellymore than you serve God. Be ashamed, you who commit idolatry withyour abominable idol. The apostle speaks of such: "Whose end isdestruction,whoseGodistheirbelly,andwhosegloryisintheirshame"(Phil3:19).

Thirdly,duetoyour fondness forgourmet foodsyouaredeprivingyourchildren, so that they would be poor when they become adults. Theycouldhavebeenwell-to-doifyouhadbeenfrugal,andyouyourselfmaycome to great poverty, so that you will have to be supported by thedeacons.Solomonforewarnsyouaboutthis:"Benotamongwinebibbers;among riotous eaters of flesh: for the drunkard and the glutton shallcome to poverty" (Prov 23:20-21).Hewho alwayswishes to drink thatwhich is sweet and eat thatwhich is delectablewill accumulateneitherpossessions for himself nor treasures for his children. "He that lovethwineandoilshallnotberich"(Prov21:17).

Fourthly,ifweareaccustomedtoagourmetspreaduponourtables,andwebegin to lack funds,weshallpursuesinfulavenues tocontinue this.Weshalleitherbuyoncredit,takeoutaloan,lieanddeceive,atlastflirtwithbankruptcy,andallowwidowsandorphans,whomonehasrobbed,toeatthebreadoftears.

Fifthly, gourmands are generallymerciless toward the poor. They haveabundanceupontheirtables,butthereisnothingleftforapoorLazarus.Theymustthuslookforwardtoamercilessjudgment.

Sixthly,ifyouremainsorichthatyoucanliveasagourmanduntilyourdeath—what then?Will you go to heaven?No, but youwill experience

what the elegant rich man—who was also a gourmand—experienced.Afterhisdeathhefoundhimselfinhellandhewasnotpermittedtohaveone drop of water for his relief (Luke 16:22 ff). Hear how the Lordthreatens you: "Woe to them that are at ease. ... That ... stretchthemselvesupontheircouches,andeatthelambsoutoftheflock,andthecalves out of themidst of the stall; therefore now shall they go captivewiththefirstthatgocaptive...thereforewillIdeliverupthecitywithallthat is therein" (Amos6:1,4,7-8). Impress thewordof theapostleuponyour heart: "Weep andhowl. ... Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth,andbeenwanton;yehavenourishedyourhearts,asinadayofslaughter"(James5:1,5).

DiligenceTaughtinThisPetition

Wedonotonlyprayforbread,butforourbread.Thisteachesthatwearetobediligent,sincewedesiretoreceiveitinthewayinwhichitpleasesGodtogiveit.Itis,however,God'swilltogivebymeansofourlabor,andwemusttherefore labor inthestationandthecallingtowhichGodhasappointed us. If one has an adequate supply, he must neverthelessneitherbeidlenorfattenhimselfasaswine.Rather,hemustbeoccupiedinsomemeasureforthesakeofbeingoccupied,tobenefithimselfandtogiveotherpeopleanopportunitytowork,aswellasbeabletogivetothepoorallthemoreabundantly.

First,whatelse—astheproverbgoes—isanidleperson,butapillowforthedevil?Heistheobjectofthedevil'soperationswhoismostsuccessfulinleadingidlepersonstothecommissionofvarioussins.Anidleandlazyperson isabreedingground forallmannerofvainandsinful thoughts,and of the deedswhich proceed from them—yes, he is capable of suchdeedsasonewouldotherwiseneverhaveimagined.

Secondly, ifwepraythisandarenotdesiroustowork,wearetemptingGod.Thenwe insist thatGoddomiracles foroursakeanddepart fromHisnormalwayofprovidence.This isa sinwhichprovokesGodand isexpressly forbidden by Him. "Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God"(Deut6:16).WecanreadintheaccountsofthejourneysofthechildrenofIsraelinthewildernesshowIsraelfaredwhentheytemptedGod.Thisisalsorecordedinthefollowingpassages:"TheywaitednotforHiscounsel:

butlustedexceedinglyinthewilderness,andtemptedGodinthedesert.AndHe gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul" (Ps106:13-15); "Andwhile the fleshwas yetbetween their teeth, ere itwaschewed, thewrath of the Lordwas kindled against the people, and theLordsmote thepeoplewithaverygreatplague" (Num11:33).SucharetheresultsoftemptingGod.ThisiswhatthosewhoprayforbreadbutarenotwillingtoworkanddonotwishtoavailthemselvesofGod'scommonmeansmustexpect.

Thirdly,asluggard:

(1)isanabominationtoGod;Godwantednopartofauselessass(Exod13:13);(2) is a burden to others and despised by everyone; no one hascompassion for him (Prov 10:26); (3) furthermore,wastes away, for hedoesnotknowhowhewillspendhistime,isaburdentohimself,andisreducedtoextremepoverty."Howlongwiltthousleep,Osluggard?whenwiltthouariseoutofthysleep?Yetalittlesleep,alittleslumber,alittlefolding of the hands to sleep: so shall thy poverty come as one thattravelleth, and thy want as an armedman" (Prov 6:9-11); "Drowsinessshallclotheamanwithrags"(Prov23:21).

Therefore, he who prays for our bread must be diligent in an honestcalling andmust use themeans to which God obligates him when Hepromises bread to him.His labor is not the cause, but only themeanswherebyhelawfullyreceiveswhatGodgrantshim.(1)HewilltheneathisbreadinthepresenceofGodandman."...thatwithquietnesstheywork,andeattheirownbread"(2Thess3:12).

(2)Whenhepraysinfaithandlaborsobediently,itwillallbeblessed—beit that one has much or little, or that it is lean or fat. "A little that arighteousmanhathisbetterthantherichesofmanywicked"(Ps37:16).Heeatsitwithfreedomasbeinghisown;apieceofbreadisdelicioustohim since he receives it from his heavenly Father, it having beenpurchasedbyChrist'sblood.Thecursehasbeenremoved,ablessingrestsuponit,andthelittlethathehassatisfiesandstrengthenshim.TheLordgrants him the blessing for which Moses prayed: "Establish Thou theworkofourhandsuponus;yea,theworkofourhandsestablishThouit"(Ps90:17).Hereceivesthepromisemadetothegodly:"Forthoushalteat

the labourof thinehands"(Ps128:2).Therefore,OraetLabora, that is,prayandwork."Whatsoeverthyhandfindethtodo,doitwiththymight"(Eccles9:10).

ConcerningAnxietyfortheFuture

WhenwepraythatGodwouldgiveusourdailybreadfromdaytoday,weareexhortednottobecareful—thatis,wearenottobeconcernedhowweshallfareallthedaysofourlife;whetherweshallsufficientlybesuppliedforourentirelife;whetherweshallbereducedtopovertyandshallsufferwantwithourchildrenofthatwhichourchildrenandgrandchildrenwilllivefrom.Forifourdesiresandconcernsrelatetothequantityofbreadand to our entire life—yes, to ourdescendants, thenwe can indeednotprayforbreadforthisday.Therefore,ifwearetopraythisprayerwithatrueheart,wemustbe satisfiedwith thepresent andnotbe concernedaboutthedayoftomorrow.Rather,weshouldbeaschildrenwho,whentheyarehungry,request foodfromtheirparentsandarenotconcernedaboutthefuture.God'schildrenhaveallthemorereasontoliveoutofthehandoftheirheavenlyFatherandtotrustHimthatHewillcareforthem.

First,apprehensiontormentsmanandwetherebybringmuchgriefuponourselves.Suchanxietysapsthevitalityofthesoulandthebody.Weshalltremble about the future, be doubtful about the providence of God, orviewGodasbeingwrathful,merciless,andunyielding.Wethenrejectourspiritualstate,arevulnerabletomanyfoolishandharmful lusts,andlieopenfortheassaultsofthedevil.

Secondly, what have you ever gained with all your anxiety? You willindeedhavetoanswer:nothing.Whythendoyouengageinthatwhichisof no benefit to you and causes you harm instead? "Which of you bytakingthoughtcanaddonecubituntohisstature"(Matt6:27);"Itisvainfor you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows" (Ps127:2).

Thirdly, todosoisto live insincontinually, fortobeanxiousisaclearsignthatwewishtoputourtrustinourpossessions.Ifwehadasmuchas we desired, we would not be concerned about the future.Why not?Becauseyouthenwouldhaveinyourpocketwhatyouneedtolive.Then

youdonottrustinGodbutinyourpossessions.However,whateveryouput your trust in is your god, and thus being anxious is nothing butidolatry.Believers,wouldyouthenturnawayfromyourGod,esteemingand trusting yourmoneymore thanGod? Therefore, be fearful of thatabominationwhichbringsmanyintohell."But... idolaters ...shallhavetheirpartinthelakewhichburnethwithfireandbrimstone"(Rev21:8).

Furthermore,fretfulanxietyconstitutesacontinualdishonoringofGod.You therebydemonstrate thatGod isnot all-sufficient for youand thatsomething besides God is your portion, delight, and the rock of yourheart.ThiswasentirelydifferentwithAsaph(Ps73:25-26).YougiveanevilimpressionofGodtoothers,implyingthatHeneglectsanddoesnotcareforHischildren.Woulditnotbetothedishonorofarichfatherifhischildren were to turn to other persons and were to beg for a piece ofbread?Would you thus dishonorGod, your heavenly Father? Far be itfromyou!Therefore,neitherbeanxious,norlettheunsettlednessofyourcountenanceconveythatyoumistrustGod.

Fourthly,anxietypreventsmanyfrombeingconverted.Suchoccasionallyareunderconvictionandmakearesolution:"IshallnowariseandalsoseekGod."However,thecaresoflifeagaindrawthemintotheworld.Thecaresof lifearethethornswhichchoketheseed."Healsothatreceivedseedamongthethorns ishethatheareththeword;andthecareof thisworld,andthedeceitfulnessofriches,choketheword,andhebecomethunfruitful" (Matt 13:22). As anxiety keeps many from conversion, itlikewise impedes growth in the converted. How much progress manywouldmake;howmaturetheywouldbecomehadanxietynotpreventedthem!Therefore,youwhoaregodly,elevateyourselfabovethisworld;itis too insignificant,polluted,andharmful thanthatyoushouldconcernyourselfwithandyearnforit.

Fifthly,timehereisshort,andthereisnothingwhichisabletosatisfyyouanyway.Whyareyouthensoanxiousaboutthatwhichis insignificant?Truly,youarestilltoomuchinvolvedwiththeworldandnotenoughwithheaven.

Sixthly,isnotGodyourportion?IsHenotyourFather?DidHenotgrantyouHisownSon?"HethatsparednotHisownSon,butdeliveredHim

up for us all, how shallHenotwithHimalso freely give us all things"(Rom8:32).

Therefore, "Takeno thought for your life,what ye shall eat, orwhat yeshall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on" (Matt 6:25);"Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you" (1 Pet 5:7);"CommitthywayuntotheLord;trustalsoinHim;andHeshallbringittopass" (Ps37:5); "Becontentwithsuchthingsasyehave"(Heb13:5).Youwillthusbeabletopraywithachildlikeheart,"Giveusthisdayourdailybread."

SatisfactionwiththePortiontheLordAllotsusWhenwepray,"Giveus...,"thenwedonotonlyprayforourselves,butalsoforothers.Wemaythereforenotbeenviouswhenanotherperson receives something—yes,morethanwedo.For:

(1)Wehaveaskedforthisonhisbehalfifwehaveprayedaright.Andifwe become envious when he receives something or much upon ourprayer,thenthis is indicativethatweeitherregretthatwehaveprayed,orthatwedidnotmeanitandthushavemockedwithGod.(2)Whoareyoutobeenviousofsomeoneelse's fortune?Doyounotknowthatyouareneitherworthyofapieceofbreadinyourmouthnorathreaduponyourskin;thatitisonlyduetothelongsufferingofGodthatyouarenotalreadyinhell;thatitisagreatmercyofGodthatyouarepermittedtobeamongpeopleandthatyoumightbeaservantoraslaveof the leastofthem?Andshouldyouthenbeenvious?Ordoyouthinkthatyouaresoimportantthatyouareworthyofit?Besilent!(3)IsitnottheLordwhogivesuntoothers?Godissovereign, isHenot,andmayHenotdowithHisownaspleasesHim?OrmustHeaskyouhowmuchHeshouldgivetosuchandsuchaperson?

Isyoureyeevilbecause theLord isgood?Be thereforeashamedbeforeGodandmanthatanenviousthoughtariseswithinyou.

ThisPetitionExhortstoGenerosity

Youwhopray,"Giveus...,"itbehoovesyouandyouareobligatedbythispetitiontowardgenerosity.Forwhenmanymakearequesttogetherand

it is given to one, itmust be divided among all onwhose behalf itwasrequested.Whenmanypooroutcastsarebeggingatagivendoor,andifonereceivesagiftandkeepsitforhimself,hedeprivestheothersofwhatalsohadbeengiven for them.However, youdonotpray, "Giveme ...,"but"Giveus...";thus,othersmustshareinthis.Thisdoesnotmeanthatassoonasyoureceivesomething,youmustimmediatelybegintohanditout,foryouhavereceiveditasastewardtodisperseituponcommand.Ifthereforetherearethoseinneedwhorequestsomethingfromyou,orifitcomestoyourknowledgethatthereissomeoneinneedelsewhere,thenthismuststirupyourcompassionandyourhandmustbereadytogive.Youmust,however,doitinsuchamannerthatyoumaycontinuetobeabletogiveandthatthewelfareofyourfamilyandchildrenispreserved.Extraordinary seasons and occasions also demand somethingextraordinary.Therefore,seetoitthatintruthandwithlibertyyoumaypray,"Giveus..."

First,takeasanexamplethegenerosityofthemanJob,andofawomannamedDorcas.Job'sgenerosityisdescribedasfollows:"Iwaseyestotheblind,andfeetwasItothelame.Iwasafathertothepoor"(Job29:15-16); "If I havewithheld the poor from their desire, or have caused theeyesofthewidowtofail;orhaveeatenmymorselmyselfalone,andthefatherless hath not eaten thereof; if I have seen any perish forwant ofclothing,oranypoorwithoutcovering,"etc.(Job31:16-17,19).OfDorcasit iswritten,"NowtherewasatJoppaacertaindisciplenamedTabitha,which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of goodworks and almsdeeds which she did. ... All the widows stood by himweeping,andshowingthecoatsandgarmentswhichDorcasmade"(Acts9:36,39).Happyisheorshewhofollowssuchexamples!

Secondly, the following passages convey how highly generosity isrecommended:"Iftherebeamongyouapoormanofoneofthybrethrenwithin any of thy gates. ... Thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shutthinehandfromthypoorbrother:but thoushaltopenthinehandwideuntohim,"(Deut15:7-8).ToobeyinthisispleasingtoGod."Buttodogoodandtocommunicateforgetnot:forwithsuchsacrificesGodiswellpleased"(Heb13:16).Indeed,impressuponyourheartthegreatwordoftheapostle:"Godlovethacheerfulgiver"(2Cor9:7);"Hewhichsoweth

sparinglyshallreapalsosparingly;andhewhichsowethbountifullyshallreap alsobountifully" (2Cor9:6).Add to these the following: "He thathathpityupon thepoor lendethunto theLord;and thatwhichhehathgivenwillHepayhimagain" (Prov19:17). If you thendesire topray intruthandtobeheard,bejoyouslygenerous.Ifyoudonotdoso,thenyouareanunrighteouspossessorofthatwhichyouhave,andyoumustseetoitthatacursewillnotrestuponit.

GodAcknowledgedastheGiver

Since you pray to God for daily bread, it is thus essential for you tobelieve that all good gifts and the blessing upon that which you have,comefromGod,andthatyouacknowledgeGodasbeingtheoriginofallgood things. SuchHe truly is: "Every goodgift andeveryperfect gift isfromabove,andcomethdownfromtheFatheroflights"(James1:17).AllthatexistsisGod's;whateveranyonepossesseshehasreceivedfromGod."Igavehercorn,andwine,andoil,andmultipliedhersilverandgold,...mycorn ...mywine ...mywoolandmyflax"(Hos2:8-9).Man isbutanakedentityandall thathehasdoesnotproceedfromhimself.All thathehasproceedsfromanothersource—hehasreceiveditfromGodalone."Whathastthouthatthoudidstnotreceive"(1Cor4:7).TheLordcausesfood to come forth from theearth; theLordgrants toeachhispeculiarportion; the Lord renders the food efficacious unto nourishment; theLordmaintainsman and beast; He even provides the cattle with theirfoodandtheyoungravenswhentheycrytoHim.Sinceall istheLord'sandHecommunicatestoeveryonethatwhichisHis,onemustinvoketheLordforallthatwestandinneedofandacknowledgeHimastheoriginandgiver.Wemustnotdoso,however,withthedispositionofacreature,butasareconciledchildinChristandwithachildlikeheart.Ifwereceivesomething, wemust receive it as out of the hand of God as being ourFather.WemustbesatisfiedwiththatwhichtheFathergives—beitmuchorlittle,itwillbeenough.Thereforeweoughtnottowasteit,butwithajoyfulheartmakeuseofit.WemustthenalwaysliftupourheartonhightotheGiver,doingsowithagratefulheartandwithamouthfilledwiththepraisesoftheLord."PraisetheLord,OJerusalem;praisethyGod,OZion.ForHehathstrengthenedthebarsofthygates;Hehathblessedthychildren within thee. Hemaketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee

with the finest of the wheat" (Ps 147:12-14). God requires and expectsthis,andispleasedwithit."Whenthouhasteatenandartfull,thenthoushaltblesstheLordthyGodforthegoodlandwhichHehathgiventhee.Beware that thou forgetnot theLord thyGod" (Deut8:10-11).TheFifthPetition:ForgiveusourDebtsasweForgiveourDebtors

Manisinneedofbreadinorderthathemaylive.ThereforetheLordhastaught us to pray for bread. Bread is not the most essential matter,however, for man has a rational, immortal soul which innately knowsGodandcannotbesatisfiedexceptwithGodHimself.Anaturalman isindeedsatisfiedwithearthlythings—ifheisabletoacquirethem.ThisisrecordedinPs17:14,whereweread:"Menoftheworld,whichhavetheirportion in this life,andwhosebellyThou fillestwithThyhid treasure."And God will not permit them to depart from this life without havingdone themgood: "NeverthelessHe left notHimselfwithoutwitness, inthat He did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons,fillingourheartswithfoodandgladness"(Acts14:17).Thatistheextentof God's dealings with them. However, God has laid away somethinggreaterforHisown.Furthermore,Hehasalsogiventhemaheartwhichisnotsatisfiedwithearthly things,but theydesire theLordandchooseHim as their portion. With their whole heart they make the words ofAsaphtheirown:"WhomhaveI inheavenbutThee?andthere isnoneuponearththatIdesirebesideThee.Myfleshandmyheartfaileth:butGodisthestrengthofmyheart,andmyportionforever.ButitisgoodformetodrawneartoGod"(Ps73:25-26,28).Withtheirentirehearttheyoffer themselves to the service ofGod; however, at the same time theyunderstandthatGoddoesnotwishtobeservedbytheungodlywhoareHis enemies. God says to them: "What hast thou to do to declare Mystatutes, or that thou shouldest take My covenant in thy mouth" (Ps50:16). The godly perceive that sin,whichmakes a separation betweenGod andman,must be removed in order for God to revealHimself tothem, and for them to approach unto God with boldness and with apeaceful heart. Therefore they are very desirous to be reconciled withGod, praying time and again for the forgiveness of sins. This the LordJesusteachesustoprayinthefifthpetition:

"Forgiveusourdebtsasweforgiveourdebtors."

Thispetitionconsists firstofall ina request: "Forgive ..."Secondly, thedispositionofthesupplicantisadded:"Asweforgiveourdebtors."Inthispetitionwearetonotetheobject:"Debts—ourdebts,"andtherequestedactiontowardthesedebts:"Forgiveus."

TheObjectofthisPetition:OurDebts

Letusconsidertheword"debts"(inLuke11:4weread"sins").Sinincursdebt, and in order to know what debt is, we must take note of threematters:

First,manisentirelyandineveryrespectboundtoGodasCreator.Thus,his being, life, spiritual faculties, and physical strength are from God.This must not be understood as a singular act once performed, manthereafterbeinghisownmasteraswellasself-existent.Rather,heexistsandmovesbythecontinualinfluenceandpreservingpowerofGod.ItisforthisreasonthatmanisobligatedtoexistforGodwithhisentirebeing—notonlyasamatterofgratitude,butonaccountofanobligationwhichis more binding than we can imagine. He is also obligated to God byvirtue of the covenant of works, established with the human race inAdam,wherebysalvationwaspromiseduponconditionofobedience—acovenant to whichman has fully committed himself. Thus, there is anobligation uponman to be submissively obedient. He is also bound toGod as being his lawgiver, who has power to command, and to whomman is inherently obligated to render obedience (Luke 17:10). Manapprovesof thisobligation,and irrespectiveofwhetherhebreaks thosebonds, there isneverthelessnoonewhowoulddare to say,orwhowillsay,thatheisnotunderobligationtoGod.

Secondly, this binding relationship, however much it may have beenapproved of, has been broken by man and he still breaks it daily bywithdrawinghimselffromobediencetoGodandbycontinuallyresistingthisobligation.TheHolyScripturesrefertothisas:(1)sinning:"AgainstThee,Theeonly,haveIsinned,anddonethisevilinThysight"(Ps51:4);(2) transgressing against the Lord: "I have nourished and brought upchildren, and they have rebelled against Me" (Isa 1:2); (3) thetransgressionofthelaw:"Yea,allIsraelhavetransgressedThylaw"(Dan9:11); (4) the transgression of the covenant: "But they like men have

transgressed the covenant" (Hos6:7); (5) the rending asunder ofGod'slaws:"Thesehavealtogetherbrokentheyoke,andburstthebonds"(Jer5:5); (6) the forsaking of God, His law, and His covenant: "They haveforsakentheLord"(Isa1:4);"...becausetheyhaveforsakenmylaw"(Jer9:13); "They have forsaken the covenant of the Lord their God" (Jer22:9); (7) being disobedient: "But unto them that ... do not obey thetruth"(Rom2:8).SinisallthemoreseriousinlightofthemajestyofGodandman'sdependenceuponHim—aswellasitsvoluntaryanddeliberatenature,anditscontinuanceandfrequency.Furthermore,thegreaterthemeasureof lightand the livelier the conscience, thegreater the sinwillbe.

Thirdly,due toman'sbreachofobligation,he incursdebt; that is,he isworthy of punishment. "Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye,shallhebethoughtworthy"(Heb10:29);"...receivinginthemselvesthatrecompenceof theirerrorwhichwasmeet"(Rom1:27).Sinbegetsdebtand places us under bondage of eternal condemnation: "... for thejudgment was by one to condemnation" (Rom 5:16). Through sinmanhas comeunder the cursewhich is expressedas follows: "Cursedbehethatconfirmethnotallthewordsofthislawtodothem"(Deut27:26).Heis therefore at enmitywithGod,worthy to be cast away and to endureeternally the unbearable wrath of God. "Neither shall evil dwell withThee"(Ps5:4);"...indignationandwrath,tribulationandanguish,uponeverysoulofmanthatdoethevil"(Rom2:8-9);"WhoshallbepunishedwitheverlastingdestructionfromthepresenceoftheLord"(2Thess1:9).

Suchisthenatureofthedebt,andthisdebtisacknowledgedbyallmen.Itisacknowledgedbytheheathen:"WhoknowingthejudgmentofGod,that they which commit such things are worthy of death" (Rom 1:32).This is acknowledged by all who live under the ministry of theWord:"Andallthepeopleshallsay,Amen"(Deut27:20).Believersacquiesceinthis:"...thatThoumightestbejustifiedwhenThouspeakest,andbeclearwhenThou judgest" (Ps 51:4); "Iwill bear the indignation of the Lord,because I have sinned against Him" (Mic 7:9). Sincere prayer for theforgivenessofsinsnecessitatesthatapersonknowhisguilt,begrievouslysensibleofit,acknowledgehimselftobeworthyofthispunishment,andjustifyGodinexecutingjudgmentuponhim.

TheFocusofThisPetition:TheForgivenessofGuilt

Weprayfortheforgivenessofourdebts(orguilt).29Noonehasimposedthisdebtuponus.GoddidnotdosoforHecreatedmanholyandperfect.Thedevildidnotdoso—hemaysuggestsin,buthecanneithercompelnor cause us to sin. The world has not done so. It may threaten andentice, but it is beyond its reach to incline one'swill.Rather, it ismanhimselfwhoisthecauseofhisdeeds."Buteverymanistempted,whenhe is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hathconceived,itbringethforthsin"(James1:14-15);"Thineownwickednessshall correct thee" (Jer 2:19); "Thy way and thy doings have procuredthese things unto thee; this is thywickedness, because it is bitter" (Jer4:18);"Whereforedothalivingmancomplain,amanforthepunishmentofhissins"(Lam3:39).Thissupplicantdoesnotonlyacknowledgethathehassinned,butalsothathe isadebtor—havinganexceedinglygreatdebt. He furthermore acknowledges that he is thereby marred,abominable,hateful,intolerable,andcondemnable.Beingthusgrievouslyaffectedbyhissins,hehumbleshimselfbeforetheLordandsupplicatesHisJudgetobegraciousuntohim—yes,heapproachestohisFatherwithshame, forhecanneither leavehisFatheralonenorcanheendure thealienation and displeasure of his heavenly Father. He would rather bechastisedandbyrenewalbereconciledwithhisFatherthantocontinueunreconciledwithoutchastisement.Hethereforeapproacheswithsorrowandperplexity, andprays, "Forgivememy sins and takeawaymydebtfrom me." The Requested Action: Forgiveness The petition relative tothesedebtsis:"Forgive;forgiveus..."Forgivenesscomesabouteitherbywayofannulmentorsatisfaction.Afatherforgiveshischildeitherbynotpunishinghim,or, ifhepunisheshim, the forgiveness isstillneedful inorder that the childmay be at peace. Such is the practice amongmen.However, God cannot forgive debt except that punishment has beenmeted out for it. This is to be taken to heart, for many people, notknowing this, imagine forgiveness when there is no forgiveness. Sincethey do not seek forgiveness in the right manner, they continue to bedeprived of it and will become subject to everlasting judgment. Theyimagine thatGod functionsasmandoes.Theydeemaman tobegoodand merciful if he forgives someone who has wronged him, and who,confessinghisguilt,humbleshimselfdeeplyandpraysforforgiveness.If

someone would then not be willing to forgive, such conduct would beesteemed evil in everyone's eyes and he would be despised as a cruelperson. They therefore reason as follows: "God is more merciful thanmanandGodisgood.HewillthereforesurelyforgivethosewhoaskHimtobegracious."Furthermore, if fromhenceforthsuchapersondoeshisbesttoleadagodlylife,heisatpeace.Itdoesnotmatterwhetherhehasspenthislifeinungodliness;aslongashepraysuponhisdeathbed,"OhGod,bemercifultome,apoorsinner!"Heisforgivingtootherswhohavedonehimwrong;heregretshissinfullife,andinthisframehedies.Suchapersonismostcertainlydeemedtobesaved.Poorman!Awake,forthisisthewaywherebythousandsofpeoplegotohell.Donotproceedinthismanner; rather, be acquaintedwith thewaywherebyGod forgives sin.Enteruponthiswaybeforeitistoolate,sothatyoumayyetbesaved.

I thus maintain that God neither can nor will permit sin to gounpunished.Godpunishessinbothtemporallyandeternally.Inordertofullyconvinceyouof this,youmustnote thatGod isnotonlyLordandlawgiver,butHeisalsotheJudgeofallmen.Abrahamstates,"ShallnottheJudgeofalltheearthdoright"(Gen18:25).DavidacknowledgedGodas such: "God judgeth the righteous, andGod is angrywith thewickedeveryday"(Ps7:11).

EverymanwillcomebeforeGodinjudgment."ForGodshallbringeverywork into judgment" (Eccles 12:14); "But know thou, that for all thesethings Godwill bring thee into judgment" (Eccles 11:9). Not only doeseveryman,upondeath,appearbeforeGodasJudge,tobeeitherusheredtohellortakenintoglory—for"itisappointeduntomenoncetodie,butafter this the judgment" (Heb 9:27)—but all men will appearsimultaneouslybeforeGodinthegreat judgment,whereeverythingwilltranspireaccordingtorighteousness."BecauseHehathappointedaday,inthewhichHewilljudgetheworldinrighteousness"(Acts17:31).Enoch—the seventh from Adam—knew, acknowledged, and preached this:"Behold, the Lord comethwith ten thousands ofHis saints, to executejudgmentuponall...thatareungodly"(Jude14-15).Ithewriter,andyouwho read or hear this read, shall come before that judgment. "For wemustall appearbefore the judgment seatofChrist; that everyonemayreceive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done,

whetheritbegoodorbad"(2Cor5:10).

Letusconsiderthisjudgmentfromeveryperspective.Allmenwillappearthere and will be divided into two groups. The one group will becondemnedfornootherreasonbutsin.GodistheJudgeandarighteousJudge. Does not justice consist in the rendering to everyone his justdesert, and is not a righteous judge someone who either punishes oracquits in harmony with the condition in which one is found? It iscommonknowledgethatajudgemustdoright:Aguiltypersonmustbedeclaredguiltyandaninnocentpersonmustbeacquitted.Mercymaynotmovehimtoacquittheguiltyone.Asgood-naturedandcompassionateapersonajudgemaybe,hemustnotallowamurderertogofree.Hemustcondemnhim to death since justice requires this.However, isGod notmore righteous than man? Thus, His righteousness requires that Hecondemnthesinner.Heregoodness isnot the issue,but justice.This isconfirmed by the expressions God makes concerning Himself: "... andthatwillbynomeansclear theguilty" (Exod34:7).Tellme:"WhydoesGod condemn those who will be at His left hand? Is He not infinitelymerciful?WhythenisHenotgracioustothem?"Theremustthereforebeanotherreasonforbringingaboutthecondemnationofthesinner.Whatisthis?Therecanbenootherreasonthantherighteousnessandveracityof God. Would not the Judge of the whole earth do right? Is God'sjudgmentnotaccordingtotruth?"ButwearesurethatthejudgmentofGod is according to truth" (Rom 2:2). Since sinners are not deliveredfrom hell by the mercy of God, and God is a righteous Judge whosejudgmentisaccordingtotruthandwhocanbynomeanscleartheguilty,God cannot allow sin to go unpunished, and thus the sinner cannotexpectforgivenessbywayofannulment.

Whatcounselistherethenforthesinner?Musttheyallperish?Thereisno solution with man himself, for he cannot exhaustively bear thepunishment due to sin. He cannot transcend his punishment for hecannot give God his ransom; he must eternally remain subject to it."What shall amangive in exchange forhis soul" (Matt 16:26). Sin is areality which man cannot deny. All his suffering in this world cannotrendersatisfaction.Allhisgoodworks—asidefromthefactthattheyarenotpurebeforeGodandarebutas filthyrags—cannoterasesinswhich

have previously been committed. He retains a sinful heart, and allmanner of sinful thoughts, words, and deeds continue to proceedtherefrom.Thesoul,upondepartingfromthebody,remainssinful;andas longas sin continues, so longwill thepunishment continue—that is,eternally.

Man'sNeedofaSurety

In order for man to be delivered from guilt and punishment and beexoneratedintherighteousjudgmentofGod,hemusthaveaSuretywho,onhisbehalf,satisfiesthejusticeofGod,bearsthepunishmentwhichthesinner deserves, and perfectly fulfills the law. This payment andobedience must be reckoned to the account of the sinner by divineimputation, God permitting the intervention of a Surety.Man, in turn,must acquiesce in being delivered by a Surety and must receive HisransomandrighteousnessashisowninordertocomeuntoGodthereby.ThiswayishiddenfromalltheheathenandGodalsoconcealsitfromalltheunconvertedwho liveunder the gospel—although some can explainthis in an external sense and can speak of this as such.However, GodrevealsthiswaytoHisownandleadstheminthatway.TheLordJesus,beingveryGodandman,hasbeengivenofGodHimselftobeaSurety."BysomuchwasJesusmadeasuretyofabettertestament"(Heb7:22).Hehasmadepaymentfortheelectontheirbehalf:"ForChristalsohathoncesufferedforsins, the just fortheunjust, thatHemightbringustoGod"(1Pet3:18).TherebybelieversarereconciledwithGod."Whenwewereenemies,wewerereconciledtoGodbythedeathofHisSon"(Rom5:10). Hereby peace with God has been merited. "Therefore beingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeacewithGodthroughourLordJesusChrist"(Rom5:1).HewhohasJesusasaSuretyiscompleteinHim."AndyearecompleteinHim"(Col2:10);"...thatwemightbemadetherighteousnessofGodinHim"(2Cor5:21).Thisisthewayinwhichforgivenessofsinistobeobtained;apartfromthiswaythereisnoforgiveness.

Question:How can there be forgiveness if payment has beenmade?

Answer:Ifweweretohaveenduredallpunishmentinperson,andifweinpersonhadperfectly fulfilled the lawofGod, therewouldbe amore

validreasonforthisquestion.However,sinceallthisoccursbywayofaSurety; there is a need for the imputation of the ransom andrighteousness of the Surety. It is needful for man to receive thisbelievingly and when the sinner thus comes to God he will receiveforgiveness.InthisthereisasimultaneousmanifestationofthejusticeofGodasJudgeandofHisgoodnessasa reconciledFather, for the samenaturewhichhassinnedmustmakerestitution.TheSuretyhasbecomesuretywiththeapprobationoftheJudge,andtheFatherissatisfiedwiththeSurety.SinceHeissatisfiedwiththeexecutionofthesuretyship,bothits application and forgiveness are therefore righteous. Man hascontributed nothing to this; he is guilty in and of himself and thusforgivenessisentirelygraciousasfarasheisconcerned.Thus,paymentandforgivenessharmonizeverywell,whereasforgivenessandapplicationremaindistinctacts.

Whenprayingfor forgivenesshere,wedonotdoso inadifferentsensefrom what believers did in the Old Testament. They also obtainedforgiveness aswell aswe.We find theword (aphes) here. Itsusage here is not unique to theNew Testament and does not stand incontradistinctionto(paresis)—asifthiswereuniquetotheOld Testament only and thatOld Testament believers only knew of anoverlooking of sin while we have actual forgiveness. For forgiveness isdenominated (aphesis) in theOldTestamentaswellas intheNewTestament. "And almost all things are by the lawpurgedwithblood;andwithoutsheddingofbloodisnoremission"(Heb9:22).AtthatparticularmomenttheOldTestamentwasstillinfullforce;neverthelesstheLordJesuscausedHisdisciplestopray: (aphes).

ThisPetition:TheBeliever'sPrayerforPaternalForgiveness

Inpraying for forgivenesshere, thesupplicantdoesnotviewhimselfasunconvertedandunreconciled,andasdesiroustobedeliveredfromthestateofwrath(believersbeingchildrenofwrathbynatureasallothers);rather, he views himself as being a child of God, for he prays, "OurFather, forgiveus."GoddealswithHischildreninhumanfashion.Asafather shows his displeasure over themisbehavior of his children, GodlikewiseshowsHisdispleasuretoHischildrenwhentheyhavesinned.Hewithdraws Himself from intimate fellowship with them, hides His

countenance,letsthemfeelHisfatherlywrath,andpunishesthemwitharemorseful, restless, andanxious conscience. Innerpeacehasdeparted,and a lack of freedom overcomes them within and without. Such acondition causes the believer to be very perplexed, and he goes to hisFather, confesses his misdeeds, takes refuge to the blood of the LordJesus,andprays,"Forgive."TosuchtheLordwillmanifestHimselfandHewillforgivethemtimeandagain.

ForgivenessImplied

The following is implied in forgiveness: First, there is the absence ofpunishment:"OLord,rebukemenotinThineanger,neitherchastenmeinThyhotdispleasure"(Ps6:1),andthereisnoimputationofsin;thatis,heisnotdealtwithasasinner:"BlessedisthemanuntowhomtheLordimputethnotiniquity"(Ps32:2).

Secondly, upon forgiveness God neither hides His countenance—whichaloneisthelifeofthesoulofachildofGod—norwithdrawsHispresence,norconcealsHimselfaswithacloudsothatnoprayercanpenetrate,nordoesHeholdHimselfasastranger. "Andenternot into judgmentwithThyservant:forinThysightshallnomanlivingbejustified"(Ps143:2);"Hear me speedily, O Lord...hide not Thy face from me" (Ps 143:7).Thirdly,thereistheassuranceofforgiveness;thatis,aframeofheartisgrantedinwhichthereisfreedomfromtheburdenofdebtandasenseoftheforgivenessofsin."Thouforgavesttheiniquityofmysin.Selah"(Ps32:5); "Thou hast cast allmy sins behind Thy back" (Isa 38:17).Davidprayedforthis:"Sayuntomysoul,Iamthysalvation"(Ps35:3).ThiswasstatedtoIsaiah:"Thine iniquity is takenaway,andthysinpurged"(Isa6:7). Fourthly, peace is bestowedupon the soul. Sinwounds the soul—makesherrestless,fearful,andanxious.WhenGodforgivessin,however,there comes sweet quietude and inexpressible peace. Suchwas David'sdesire: "Blot out my transgressions...purge me...washme...makeme tohear joy and gladness" (Ps 51:1, 7-8). God promises this: "Comfort ye,comfort ye My people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably toJerusalem,andcryuntoher, thatherwarfare isaccomplished, thatheriniquity is pardoned" (Isa 40:1-2). Suchhas been the experience of thechurch: "O Lord, I will praise Thee: though Thouwast angrywithme,Thineangeristurnedaway,andThoucomfortedstme"(Isa12:1).Fifthly,

it results in free access to God as being a reconciled Father: "Havingtherefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood ofJesus,letusdrawnearwithatrueheartinfullassuranceoffaith,havingourheartssprinkledfromanevilconscience"(Heb10:19,22).

Sixthly, forgiveness implies restoration of fellowship with God—whichwasdiscontinuedduetosin—inwhichGodembracesthesoulintimately."Thouhastinlovetomysoul30deliveredit...ThouhastcastallmysinsbehindThyback"(Isa38:17).Thesoul inturnmeetsGodwith filial joyanddelight."Andtheinhabitantshallnotsay,Iamsick:thepeoplethatdwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity" (Isa 33:24). She joyfullygives thanks to theLord: "Bless theLord,Omysoul,and forgetnotallHis benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities" (Ps 103:2-3). All thisconstitutes forgiveness. It is this which the supplicant requests in thispetition, and it is this which God grants to believing supplicants. HeindeedforgiveswheneverandasoftenasHischildrenconfesstheirsins,receive theLordJesusas their ransomand righteousness, andpray forforgiveness. However, the Lord does not always grant them all themattersmentioned.Healsodoesnotalwaysgrantitinthemeasurethattheydesire;attimesGodpermitsthemtorunafterHimforalongperiodof time. They are frequently slack in their seeking, listless in prayer,unbelieving,discouraged,not fullyemptiedof sinful lusts,and thusnotfit to enjoy these sweet experiences.Therefore there comesdarkness attimes when they anticipate light, and fearfulness instead of healing.However,theLordwillultimately"regardtheprayerofthedestitute,andnotdespisetheirprayer"(Ps102:17).Therefore,persevereinprayeranddonotonlyprayforyourself,butalsoforthechurchandallbelievers,fortheyareallburdenedbysinandmanygobentdownbecauseofit.Thereisnopeaceintheirsoulduetotheirsin;theyaregrievedandtheylongforforgiveness,sothatwithmorefreedomofhearttheymaypraiseHim,fearHimfilially,andsweetlyprogressinthewaysoftheLord.Thisisthefirstportionofthispetition:"Forgiveusourdebts."

TheDispositionoftheSupplicant

The second portion conveys the disposition of the supplicant: "As weforgive our debtors." There are a great variety of opinions about thisaddition.Onethingiscertain,thesewordsarenotameritoriouscauseof

God'sforgiveness,forthenitwouldhavetoread,"...becauseweforgive."Instead,theword«(hoos)(=as)isused.Ifthatweretruethenitwouldnot be a petition, but a demand for that which is ours. Furthermore,forgivenessisgrantedonthebasisofgrace."BeingjustifiedfreelybyHisgrace"(Rom3:24).Itisequallyevidentthatthisdoesnotimplythatourforgiveness is on an equal par with God's forgiveness. God forgives asJudgeandasFather;we forgiveourequals.God forgivesperfectly,andwedeficiently. It isalsonotacondition inthe literalsenseof theword,forthenitwouldcomeaboutbywayofcontractwithGod.Rather,itisahumble supplication for grace; it is a conditio sine qua non, or anindispensable or essential condition; that is, a required disposition forbeingasuitableobjecttorequestandreceiveforgiveness.Forifsomeoneisenragedagainsthisneighborandlashesoutinangerinordertoavengehimself, then it canbeunderstoodbyall that suchaperson isnot in aconditiontopray,"Forgive ..."Atthatmomenthewillbeabletoobtainneither forgiveness and its resultant comfort, nor all that is implied inforgiveness(asstatedabove).Thisalsoapplieswhenthereishatredandvengefulnessintheheart,foragreaterorlessermeasureofsindoesnotchangethenatureofthesin.Ifanyoneistopray,thenhisheartmustnotcondemn him. "For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than ourheart,andknowethallthings.Beloved,ifourheartcondemnusnot,thenhave we confidence toward God" (1 John 3:20-21). When a personperceives that he harbors a grudge, hatred, and aversion toward hisneighborwhohasdonehimwrong, he (if hehas spiritual life)will notdaretoprayforforgiveness.Hemustcondemnhimself;heneitherdaresnorcanexpectanyforgiveness.Thisisalsotruewhenhebecomesawarethatheisguiltyofwrongdoingtowardsomeoneelsewithwhomheisnotyetreconciled(Matt5:23-24).Whenhe is reconciledwithhisneighbor,however, and forgives whomever has offended him, he can approachboldly in prayer, and in faith request and expect forgiveness. TheLordJesusconveysthiswhenHerestatesthispetition:"Forifyeforgivementheir trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if yeforgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yourtrespasses"(Matt6:14-15).Hewillthenneithergrantyouthecomfortingsense of the forgiveness of sins nor will He say to you, "Be of goodcourage, thy sinsare forgiven thee; I am thy salvation."Hewillneithergrantyou freeaccess toHimselfnorpermityou tohavecommunion in

peacewithHim.Thisissignifiedbythephrase"...asweforgive..."

Debtorsarenotthosepersonswhoareindebtedtousasfarasmoneyorpossessions are concerned. It is not implied here that we are notpermitted to demand payment according to the rule of justice—eventhough such is not to be done with sharpness and cruelty toward animpotentdebtor.Rather,debtorsarethosewhohavedonewrongtowardusinwordordeed.

HumanForgivenessvs.DivineForgiveness

To forgive is not to forgive asGod forgives, that is, with authority andmajesty. It also does not relate to themeasure in which one has donewrongtowardGodandispunishableforatGod'sbar.ThisissolelyGod'sdoing.SuchhumanforgivenesswouldhavenovaluebeforeGod.Nooneshouldcomforthimselfinthehourofdeathwiththefactthathewillnowbe saved since he has forgiven others and has been forgiven by hisadversary—and is thus reconciled with his neighbor. Rather, thisforgiveness is only applicable to those wrongdoings which have beencommitted against each other. This does not mean that by thewrongdoing of our neighbor we have become his judge or have theauthority to punish him;most certainly not.Rather, forgiveness occursbetween equals who, even though they have been wronged, may notpunish.Yes,nooneispermittedtobewrathfultowardtheoffender,allowtheinclinationtowardvengeancetoariseintheheart,norhaveagrudgeagainst,hate,orhaveanaversiontowardhim.Itisthusnotavirtueifyouput aside anger, wrath, and hatred toward your neighbor. To be thusdisposedisnotavoluntarymatterasifitwereamatterofchoicewhetherornotwewouldbe thusminded.Instead, it isbutadesisting fromsin.Therefore,wearenottobeoftheopinionthatwehavedonesomethingsignificant toward our neighbor if we are no longer angry at him andneitherpunishnorintendtopunishhim.Forgivenessisadeclarationtothe offender proceeding from the heart of a offended party that heentertains neither hatred, aversion, norwrath in his heart toward him,andthathewillnotinflicteviluponhimduetohisoffense,butratherisinclined to live in peace and love with him. Such an expression of thedispositionoftheheartdoesnotalwaysoccur;ratheritonlyoccurswhentheoffenderconfesseshisguiltandseeksforgivenessandreconciliation.

This is evident in Luke 17:3-4: "If he repent, forgive him. And if hetrespassagainsttheeseventimesinaday,andseventimesinadayturnagaintothee,saying,Irepent;thoushaltforgivehim."Tosay,"Iforgiveyou" when such is not warranted is a triumphant boasting of yourkindnessandwillhardentheoffenderinhissin.

Allof this is impliedwhenwepray,"Forgiveusourdebtsaswe forgiveourdebtors."

TheLordJesushas sufferedonceand forall for the sinsofallwhoareHis.ThisHedidoncewhenHesacrificedHimself, "ForbyoneofferingHehathperfectedforeverthemthataresanctified"(Heb10:14),andthusobtainedeternalredemptionforthem.Eventhoughforgivenessbyvirtueof the death of Christ is indeed a reality, man himself is neverthelessnothingbutsinwithinandwithout,deadinsins,andisthusbynatureachildofwrathasallothermen.HeiscondemnableandinaconditioninwhichaholyGodcannotfinddelight.Instead,Godhatesthestateofsinanddivinejusticeshouldexecutejudgmentuponit.Insuchaconditionhe is not an object of forgiveness. However, the Lord grants His electspirituallightandlife—eachathisowntime.Hethenbeginstoperceiveinwhatstateheisbynature,isfearful,andisperplexedabouthissinfulandcondemnablestate.HeperceivesthathissalvationconsistsinbeinginareconciledstatewithGod,inhavingpeacewithGod,inapproachingboldly untoGod as being reconciledwithHim, and inwalking humblywithGodashisFatherinfilialobedienceandlove.Heisverydesiroustobe delivered from the one and to obtain the other. He looks unto theSurety, receives Him, and supplicates for forgiveness. The Lord, inresponse to this, grants him this, applies the atonement to him, andcauseshimtotastethefruitsofatonementandforgiveness.Fortheonethisismoreclearandfortheothermoreobscure.Sincethebelieverdailyoffendsinmanythings,hisfaithintheforgivenessofsinsisweakened—itgenerallybeingveryfeebleanyway—andfearandanxietyresurface.Thedesireforthatstatewhichgivespeaceagainreturns,andthusheresumestheexerciseof faithandhispraying for forgiveness.Observe this in theexampleoftheholymanDavid,themanafterGod'sownheart:"Whocanunderstand his errors? cleanse Thoume from secret faults" (Ps 19:12);"Remembernot the sinsofmyyouth,normy transgressions ... forThy

name'ssake,OLord,pardonmineiniquity; for it isgreat"(Ps25:7,11);"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy lovingkindness:according unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out mytransgressions.Washmethoroughlyfrommineiniquity,andcleansemefrommysin"(Ps51:1-2).

ASeriousWarningAddressedtotheUnconverted

The unconverted cannot pray this petition. When they rattle it off—astheydodaily—theyaremockingwithGod,fortheyarenotsincereintheirheartandwill,excepttheyrepent,experiencetotheirterrorthatGodwillnotallowHimselftobemocked,andthattheyarealsonotabletodeceiveHim.

Therefore,1)youwhoarestill insensitiveaboutyoursinfulstate—aboutyoursinfulthoughts,words,anddeeds—whodonotfearthewrathofGodand carelessly goon yourway; 2) youwhohaveno intention todepartfromall,Irepeat,allsin(WhatdoIsay?Youarenotacquaintedwithsinexcept for three or four grievous ones, andhowwould you thusdepartfromthem);3)youwhodonotknowwhatitmeanstobereconciledwithGod,tohavepeacewithGod,tofreelymakeuseofaccesstoGod,tohavefellowshipwithGod in a filial disposition, andwho areneither restlessaboutyourdefectnordesirousforthisdelightfulexperience;and4)youwholiveinenvy,hatred,andarecontinuallypermeatedwithadesireforvengeance, this desire manifesting itself whenever there is anopportunity;oh,thatyouwouldbeconsciousofthisyourdisposition!

First,beassuredthatasoftenasyourecitethispetition(foritcannotbecalledprayer)youareprovokingGod,indeeddefyingGodtopunishyou.WhenGod'slongsufferingtowardyouwillhavecometoanend,youwillknowwhat itmeans tohave recited thispetitionwithout theheart andunderthepretenseofprayer.

Secondly, you are living and continue to live in an unreconciled state,ladenwithguiltandsubject to theunbearablewrathofGod.Whenthiswilloncebepouredoutuponyou,wherewillyouthenflee?ThenitwillbefearfulforyoutofallintothehandsofthelivingGod.

Thirdly,youwillnotavoidthepunishment,forifGodhaspunishedHisown Son for the sins of His elect, what must you expect? Therefore,repentandseektobedeliveredfromyourguiltandpunishmentthroughthebloodofJesusChrist,andwithanuprightheartprayforforgiveness.

Counsel for Those Who Desire to Be Reconciled and Be atPeacewithGod

Youwhodesire to livecontinually inastateof reconciliationandpeaceandexperiencethatyourfaithintheforgivenessofsinsisfaintandfeeble—who have but little assurance, who rarely or never have a sense offorgiveness, andwhose conscience is repeatedly troubledby committedsins, which inhibit you in your approach unto God, make youdiscouraged, and therefore obstruct you in your seeking to be in areconciled state—come, earnestly endeavor to have a grievous sense ofyour sins, to become a partaker of forgiveness, and to live in a state ofpeace.TheLordJesushasaffordedusthemeansbyteachingustopray,"Forgiveusourdebts."WemayindeedbeatlibertytoprayforthatwhichtheLordputsinourmouth.

First, our need must compel us to do so—for how dreadful it is to besubjecttothewrathofGod,tobeaccursed,tobeunderthepowerofthedevil, to be under the dominion of sin, and to be subject to thepunishment of eternal condemnation! How unbearable it is when Godgives man but a glimpse of this! Such is the state in which all theunconvertedare.Oh,thattheywouldtakeittoheartandbelieveit;thatthe terror of the Lord would persuade them to seek earnestly for theforgivenessofsinsandreconciliationwithGodbythebloodoftheLordJesus!Thereforeinaheartfeltmannerpray,"Forgive!"EventhoughtheconvertedarereconciledwithGod,iftheypresentlydonotknowthis,itisforthempersonallyasiftheyhadnoforgiveness;thenitseemstothemas if they are still subject to the judgments mentioned. This mustthereforestirthem(sincetheyaremucheasiertobepersuaded)toseekforgiveness.Whatamournfulandanxiouslifeitistolivealwaysinfearofdeathandcondemnation,alwaystolivewithananxiousconscience,timeand again to be troubledwhen thinking uponGod, and always to be aprisoner to thepowerof corruption, for theone is contingentupon theother!TheneachperplexingcircumstanceisperceivedasasignofGod's

wrath, whatever we undertake is considered to be accursed, and nodelightcanbefoundineitherourfoodanddrink,familyandhome,thestarrysky,thedelightfulcountenanceoftheearth,orfriends.Allthisisaconsequenceofsin.Therefore,seektheforgivenessofsinsanditshallallberemoved.

Secondly,neitherallowthemagnitudeofyoursins,northefactthatyousinrepeatedlydiscourageyoufromprayingfortheforgivenessofsins.DonotsaywithCain:"Mysinisgreaterthanthatitshouldbeforgiven.MyprayerisbutmockerywithGod,foruponhavingearnestlyprayedfortheforgivenessofsins,Iimmediatelysinagain;Inolongerdaretoprayforforgiveness."Wherethendoyouwishtoturn?Doyouwishtoremaininthiswretchedcondition?Doyouknowofadifferentway?Youmusthaveforgiveness, and therefore youmustpray for it. It doesnothelp you tosay,"Idonotdare."Therefore,turntotheLordagainstwhomyouhavesinned.ConfessyoursinsbeforeHim,humbleyourselfbeforeHim,andprayforforgiveness,forourGodisnotharshandunyielding.Rather,Heis "mercifulandgracious, longsuffering,andabundant ingoodnessandtruth" (Exod 34:6). The Lord delights in doing well, forgiving sin, andansweringprayer.Letthefollowingtextaffordyouboldness:"ForThou,Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto allthem that call uponThee" (Ps86:5).Add to this Jer32:41: "Yea, Iwillrejoice over them to do them good." Yes, the Lord yearns to see ifsomeonecomestoHimwhoisdesirousforgrace:"AndthereforewilltheLordwait,thatHemaybegraciousuntoyou"(Isa30:18).Areyoursinsmany?ThereisalsomuchforgivenesswiththeLord:"Hewillabundantlypardon"(Isa55:7).Doyousineachdayagain?ThenconsiderLam3:22-23:"Hiscompassionsfailnot.Theyareneweverymorning:greatisThyfaithfulness."WhowouldthennothavefreedomtogotosuchagoodGodandtosupplicateHimtobegracious?SincetheLordJesushassatisfiedthejusticeofGod,isamercifulandcompassionateHighPriesttoapplyHismeritstoallwhocometoHimtobecomepartakersofHisatonement,andtoprayforthem,thereisallthemorereasontodoso.Therefore,youwho are perplexed, at your wits' end, sorrowful, and overwhelmed—receive this Surety, and through Him and with His merits go to theFather,praying,"Forgiveourdebts."

Thirdly, it isamostdelightfulconditiontohave the forgivenessofsins.Believers, however feeble you may be and however far you may havestrayedaway,youhavenotyetforgottenwhatitwasliketobefreedfromalldebtandallpunishment—whatitwasliketohavefreeaccesstoGodand to saywith a filial heart, "My Father"—what itwas like to have aquiet soul, to taste peace with God which passes all understanding, torejoice in the forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God, to be apartakerofChrist'sransomandrighteousnessandtobeclothedwithit.DoyounotrememberhowyourheartwasenlargedandthatitseemedasifallthatisinheavenanduponearthwasreconciledwithyouwhentheLordsaidtoyou,"Thysinsareforgiventhee;IamthyGodandthouartMine"?Youareindeedacquaintedwiththiscondition,beitsensiblyorbyfaith.Yoursoulistroubledwhenyouarenotinsuchacondition,anditistheintensedesireofyourhearttobeinsuchastateandtobeledfurtherandfurtherintheenjoymentofsuchaframe.Wouldthisnotmoveyoutoseek forgivenesswithGod if you arewithout it, and to flee to theLordJesusifyouhavelostit,andthusberestoredinadispositionwhereyouareatpeace?Andyouwhoareinsuchastate,preserveitmostcarefully,for it is so readily disturbed by either a serious falling into sin or arecklessyieldingtosin.Furthermore,thiswillbethecasewhenyoufailtomake continual use of theLord Jesus,when you fail to arise andwashyourselfbyrenewalinChrist'sbloodafteryoufall,andbyrenewaltowalkhumbly before the countenance of God, thus acquainting yourself withthe Lord. Then, I say that you will readily lose this sweet frame.Therefore,praydaily,"Forgive!"

Fourthly,ifthereisbuttheleastprincipleoffaithandlifeinyou,youwillbe desirous for sanctification. It will be your intention to be on guardagainstagivensin,todosuchandsuch,andyouwillmakeanefforttodoso. Yet, there is no progress, for you fall again and your expectation isshattered.Youwilldenyyourspiritualstate,forsuchalifecannotcoexistwithgrace. Inoneword, youwillbecomediscouragedandwilldespair,and you would desist in this endeavor if the Lord would not time andagain intervene. Then a renewed effort will be made; however, theoutcome will be the same. You will thus live in anxiety, and if anyprogress ismade in thismanner, it is at bestbutnaturalwork and theconscienceremainsrestless.

If, however, you desire to be more holy, you must begin with theforgivenessofsins.If,byfaith,youmayreceivetheSuretyJesusChrist,andassuchcometoGodandreceivetheforgivenessofallyoursins,thentheseparationbetweenGodandthesoulisremovedandyouwillexercisecommunionwithGod.ThesoulwillloveGodandwillfindsuchdelightinfellowshipwithGodthatshewouldnotreadilyliketolosethis.Sincesheknowsthatthisfellowshipisdisruptedbysin,shewillbeallthemoreonherguardagainstit.Sincetheforgivenessofsinsstirsuploveinher,thislove will cause her to fear and obey God in a filial manner, and dowhateverispleasingtotheLord.Thus,theforgivenessofsinsengenderssanctification. This is indicated by the following passages: "... purifyingtheir hearts by faith" (Acts 15:9); "... faithwhichworketh by love" (Gal5:6);"ButthereisforgivenesswithThee,thatThoumayestbefeared"(Ps130:4).Bywayoftheforgivenessofsinsthewoundedsoulishealedandthis causes the believer to proceed with courage. "And the inhabitantshall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiventheiriniquity"(Isa33:24).Allthesetextsgiveexpressiontothenecessity,sweetness,andefficacyof the forgivenessofsins.Thereforeseek itwithall yourheart, for it canbe obtained.Havingobtained this, youwill beenabledtosanctifythenameoftheLordand,withDavid,togivethanks:"BlesstheLord,Omysoul,andforgetnotallHisbenefits:whoforgivethallthineiniquities;whohealethallthydiseases,"etc.(Ps103:2-3).

The Sixth Petition: And Lead us not into Temptation, butDeliverusfromEvil

AChristiandesirestoperformallthathepraysfor;thatis,ifitpertainstomatterswherehisactivityisappropriate.Topraywithoutadesiretobeactive ismockingwithGod. To be activewithout prayer does not yieldgoodresults,sincewearenotcapableofdoinganythingspiritualinandofourselves.

In the first three petitions the Lord Jesus teaches us to pray for threegreatmatters:thatGod'sNamebehallowed,Hiskingdomcome,andHiswillbedone.Assupplicantsourselves,weareinvolvedintheexecutionofthesematters.Thereforewecannotprayforthemunlesswearewillingtoeffecttheminourstationinlife.Inordertobeameansineffectingthesematters,however,wemustbeinaconditioninwhichwearefitaccording

tosoulandbodytoeffectthem.Sinceweourselvesareneitherfitforthisnor are able to acquire these qualifications in and of ourselves—Godalonebeingableandwillingtograntthem—theLordJesusteachesusinthe last threepetitions,havingpresented in the first threepetitions thematters which are to effected, to pray for the qualifications which areneededfortheexecutionofthesematters.Tothatenditisrequisitethatour bodies function and be in good condition—food and raiment beingneedfulforthatpurpose.Thiswerequestinthefourthpetition:"Giveusthis day our daily bread." Furthermore, in order that the first threemattersbeeffecteditisalsorequisitethatwebeinareconciledstatewithGod and be at peace with Him, for God does not deem His enemiesworthy of effecting such great matters. Moreover, man can neitherapproachuntoGod inanunreconciledstate,have fellowshipwithHim,nordoanythingfortheLord.Hisconsciousnessofsinwouldcausehimto be fearful of God and prompt him to flee fromHim. Therefore, theLord Jesus taught in the fifth petition to pray to be in a state ofreconciliationandpeacewithGod:"Forgiveusourdebts."Sincespirituallifeisfeeble,faithisweak,andthesoulhasbutlittlestrength;sinceithaspleased theLord, to a greateror lesserdegree, to givehis enemies freereignagainsthim;andsincethoseenemiesareshrewd,evil,tireless,andpowerful,abeliever is infearthattheenemieswouldhinderhimintheexecutionofthosematterswhichhesogreatlydelightsin,andrenderhisheart incapable of doing anything spiritual—yes, lead him into sin.ThereforethesupplicantfleestotheLordforhelpinorderthathemightbe preserved in a state of holiness and thus be fit to effect these threegreat matters. The Lord Jesus teaches us to pray for this in the sixthpetition:"Leadusnotintotemptation,"etc.

TheTwofoldNatureofThisPetition

In thesewordswedonot find twopetitions,butonlyone.There isbutonesubjectwithwhichweareexercisedhereandaboutwhichweutteratwofoldpetition.Firstofall,thereisapetitionforthepreservationfromevil,andsecondly,apetitiontobedeliveredfrom

Thepetitiontobekeptfromevilisexpressedinthesewords:"Andleadusnot into temptation." First of all we have the subject, temptation, andsecondlytheinvocation,leadusnotintoit.

Thelastthreepetitionsareallconnectedwiththeconjunction"and,"foraChristianisinneedofallthreedispositionsinorderbothtopraythefirstthree petitions aswell as to effect them. If one of these dispositions islacking,hewillnotbefittodoso.Allthreemustalwayscoalesce.

TheSubjectofThisPetition:Temptation

Thesubjectistemptation.TheGreekword (peirazein)signifies trial. "And thisHe said to prove him" (John 6:6); "Thou hasttried them which say they are apostles" (Rev 2:2). It also signifies "toexamine":"Examineyourselves,whetheryebeinthefaith"(2Cor13:5).Mostoftenitsignifies"totempt":"ForinthatHeHimselfhathsufferedbeingtempted,Heisabletosuccourthemthataretempted"(Heb2:18).Fromthiswordtheword (peirasmos=temptation)isderived, which is used here. Temptation can originate with 1) God, 2)man,3)theworld,and4)thedevil.

GodTemptsGod issaid to temptorproveman.GodtemptedAbrahamwhen He commanded him to sacrifice his son (Gen 22:1); He provedIsraelwiththemanna(Exod16:4);andHetriedDavid(2Sam24:1)andHezekiah (2 Chron 32:31). It is not as if God would thus becomeacquaintedwithcertainmattersoroutcomes,forallthingsarenakedandopenedbeforeHimandHeknowsman'sthoughtsfromafar.Rather,Hedoessotomakemattersknowntoeitherthepersonhimselfortoothers—thusconveyingwhatgoodorevilistobefoundinman.ItwasthusthatJob'spatience,Abraham'sobedience,David'sweakness,andHezekiah'spridebecamemanifest,totheirhumiliation,thecomfortofothers,andtoprompt others to caution. God proves His own by either temporalprosperityoradversityinordertoascertainwhetherHeisall-sufficienttothemand theironly confidence;whether theybelieve theprovidenceofGod in each individual matter; whether they love His will; or whethertheyhave the courage toput their trust inHispromises.TheLordalsotriesHisownwithspiritualtemptationsbythewithdrawalofHisSpirit,light,comfort,andopportunities, inordertocausethemtolivebyfaithalone—inrelianceuponHisWord—andcontinuallyreceiveHimastheirstrength.

MantheTempter

MantemptsGod,othermen,andhimself.

(1)MantemptsGodifwelimitHimasfarastime,manner,andmeasureareconcerned,dictatingtoHimhowandinwhatmannermattersaretotranspire:"Yea,theyturnedbackandtemptedGod,andlimitedtheHolyOneof Israel" (Ps78:41).We limitHimwhenwearenot satisfiedwithHiscommonwayofprovidence,butinsteadrequireamiraclefromGod,something extraordinary, above andbeyond the courseofnature. "Yea,they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in thewilderness"(Ps78:19);"ThechildrenofIsraelalsoweptagain,andsaid,Who shall give us flesh to eat" (Num 11:4). Thus, the Jews temptedChrist: "Master,wewould see a sign fromThee. ButHe answered andsaidunto them,Anevilandadulterousgenerationseekethaftera sign"(Matt 12:38-39). This also occurs when we set up certain conditionsbeforewe shall believe—ifwe insist on a certainmeasure of contrition,illumination, sanctification, or assurance. Thomas did this: "Except Ishall see inHishands theprintof thenails,andputmy finger into theprint of thenails, and thrustmyhand intoHis side, Iwill not believe"(John20:25). This is a dreadful sin. "Ye shall not tempt theLord yourGod" (Deut 6:16); "Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them alsotempted, and were destroyed of serpents" (1 Cor 10:9). This does notapply to ameditating upon thewonderswhichGod has done of old inorder to strengthen us in great distress by reflecting upon God'somnipotence and faithful care for His own, and thus in a more livelysensetosubmittothatwhichpleasestheLord.

(2)Manprovesothermenby convincing themof their sinful state andthusto leadthemtoconversionandtoChrist.Inthisrespecttheeldersprovethemembers:"Donotyejudgethemthatarewithin"(1Cor5:12).Or, we can tempt other men to commit evil by leading them intosituations in order to cause them to fall, and bring them to sin andshame."Woeuntohimthatgivethhisneighbordrink...andmakesthimdrunkenalso,thatthoumayestlookontheirnakedness!"(Hab2:15).Wefurthermoredosowhenwedrawourneighboroutinordertogethimtospeaksothatwemaythuscatchhiminhiswords."And,behold,acertainlawyer stood up, and temptedHim, saying,Master, what shall I do to

inherit eternal life" (Luke 10:25); "Then went the Pharisees, and tookcounselhowtheymightentangleHiminHistalk.Tellustherefore,Whatthinkest Thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not" (Matt22:15,17).Suchwillpraiseaperson,showhimgreatfriendship,orurgehimtobevaliant—allofthis,however,tocausehimtostumble.

(3)Manproveshimselfpositivelywhenheconsiderswhetherornothepossesses grace in truth. The apostle commands this: "Examineyourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves" (2 Cor13:5).Such,inordernottodeceivethemselves,praythattheLordwoulduncoverthem:"Searchme,OGod,andknowmyheart:tryme,andknowmythoughts:andsee if therebeanywickedway inme,and leadmeinthewayeverlasting"(Ps139:23-24).Mancanalsotempthimselftowardevil when he carelessly brings himself into circumstances which couldhavebeenavoided,andofwhichweknowthattheyhavegenerallycausedustosin;whenweyieldtominorsins;whenweentertainidlethoughts;when we postpone the performance of a specific duty; and when wedebateabouta sinas towhetherornotwearepermitted todo this,orwhether such and such is indeed a great sin. James speaks of thistemptingofself:"Buteverymanistempted,whenheisdrawnawayofhisownlust,andenticed"(James1:14).

The World as Tempter The world tempts converted and unconvertedalike to commit sin. It does so by holding before them all manner ofentertainment;bypromisingadvantageandprofit,aswellasfriendship,love, esteem, and honor. If that does not succeed, it will threatenwithevil,harm,shame,persecution,etc.Eventhoughoneworldlypersonwilltempt another worldly person to sin, the church in general, and eachbeliever individually, are its primary focus. The latter are to viewthemselves as sheep among thewolves. They are therefore not to trustanyone,butmustalwaysbeontheirguardwhentheyareamongworldlypeople.TheLordJesus foretoldthemthat theyhavenothingbutevil toexpect from theworld andworldly people. "In theworld ye shall havetribulation"(John16:33).TheLordJesusalsoteachesthemthattheyareto be on their guard: "But beware of men" (Matt 10:17). We readfurthermore: "Beware lest ye also, being led awaywith the error of thewicked, fall from your own stedfastness" (2 Pet 3:17). To that end the

LordJesusgavethisgoldencounsel:"Behold,Isendyouforthassheepinthemidst of wolves: be ye thereforewise as serpents, and harmless asdoves"(Matt10:16).

TheDevilasTempter

Thedevil also temptsman.Theunconverted are inhispower;he rulesover them and they are captive under him at hiswill.He exerts all hispower tocausebelievers to fallbywayof temptations,however,andheconsequentlyalsobearsthenameoftempter(Matt4:3),theenemy(Matt13:39), the adversary (1 Pet 5:8), and the devil (James 4:7). Histemptations aremost subtle, and they are therefore referred to as "thewiles of the devil" (Eph 6:11). He searches out where and when thebeliever is weak, and he adjusts himself accordingly to present histemptations, then in this and then in that manner. To advance all histemptationsatoncewouldnotbepossibleandwouldnotbeeffectivewithmany.Heknowstheconstitutionofthebodyaswellasitsvulnerability;he knows the sin most likely to be committed, and he knows in whatcircumstances we must at all times be to do so. Along with this heinterjects thoughts and mental images in our imagination whereby heendeavorstomakeusthinkaboutsuchthoughts,stimulatingourlustsbysuchreflections.Asmuchasheispermitted,hewillcreatesituationsinwhich he knows that we have frequently fallen. Then when the soul istroubledaboutfallingintosin,hetriestoseduceherfromonesintothenext. He knows how to camouflage sin in such a subtle manner, orpresentsitasbeingsodesirablethatourlustsarestirredup.Attheveryoutsethe stirsmanupandurgeshim tomakehaste—tomakehaste sothatmanwillnothavetimetodirectonethoughttowardGod.Oncethesin has been committed, he tries to bring this person to despair, bysuggesting:

"Suchalifecannotcoexistwithgrace;youarenotbornagain;youdonothavetruefaith;foryouthereisnograce;yoursinistoogreat;youhavecommitted the sin against the Holy Ghost." Subsequent to this he willterrifytheminavarietyofways.Foramorecomprehensivetreatmentofthetemptationsofthedevilwereferyoutoalatersectioninthischapterentitled:"Theassaultsofthedevil."

Thiswemustknow,however:thedevilcanneithercompelnorcausemantosin.Allhecandoistosuggest,entice,andcreatesituations.Thus,manhimself is thecauseof thosesinswhichhecommits,andmaythereforenotblamethedevil.Furthermore, thedevil isnotalwaysthe instigator;rather,manhimselfisgenerallytheinitiator.

TheRequestRelativetoTemptation

Thusfarwehaveseenwhattemptationis.Nowwearetoconsiderwhatactivity is being requested relative to this subject, namely, temptation:"Leadusnotintotemptation."WeherebysupplicatethatGodourFatherwouldnotdoso.GodleadsHischildren,toandinthewayofsalvation—withoutwhich theywould never obtain salvation. "And Iwill bring theblindbyawaythattheyknewnot;Iwillleadtheminpathsthattheyhavenotknown"(Isa42:16); "IamtheLord thyGodwhich teacheth thee toprofit,whichleadeththeebythewaythatthoushouldestgo"(Isa48:17).The Lord Jesus is called their captain (Heb 2:10; 12:2). Believers praythat they may be led by the Lord: "Lead me in Thy truth" (Ps 25:5);"TeachmetodoThywill;forThouartmyGod:ThySpiritisgood;leadme into the land of uprightness" (Ps 143:10). For on the one side theyknow theirweakness, and thedeviousness,wickedness, and violenceofthe enemies; and on the other side they know the Lord's power andgoodness. They pray that the Lord would illuminate them, continuallyshow them the way, exhort and stir them up to enter upon that way,supportandgovernthembyHispower,andnotforsakethemuntiltheyhave reached their goal.Theypray that theymaybe led in suchaway.However,theinvocationrelatestonotbeingledintotemptation.

The Lord our God is holy and whatever He does is holy: "His work ishonourable and glorious" (Ps 111:3). All that He executes is righteous:"Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Thy judgments"(Rev16:7).All that isunrighteousis farremovedfromGod.Thereisnounrighteousness inHim.LetnooneaccuseGodwhenhe is tempted toevilandfallsasaresultofthis."Letnomansaywhenheistempted,IamtemptedofGod:forGodcannotbetemptedwithevil"(James1:13).GodHimself doesneither tempt anyonewith evil nor to commit evil.WhenGodtemptssomeone,thisalwaysoccursinanincomprehensibleandholymanner—with holy purposes or thereby to manifest His righteousness

andgoodness,andthustothegloryofHisName,beforeangelsandmen,theybeingwitnessesofthosedeeds.

TrialsSentbyGodareofaholyNature

God tries both the ungodly and godly in a holy manner. He tries theungodly:(1)WhenHewithdrawsHisgiftswhichhavebeenabused,suchascommonillumination,conviction,andHisrestraininginfluence."ButtheSpiritoftheLorddepartedfromSaul"(1Sam16:14).

(2)When He, as righteous Judge, gives man—who is nothing but sin,desires to do nothing but sin, and cannot do anything but sin—over tohimself,theconsequenceofbeingunwillingtohearHim."SoIgavethemupuntotheirownhearts'lust:andtheywalkedintheirowncounsels"(Ps81:12).

(3)WhenHegivesamanover to thedevil so thathegoverns thismanaccordingtohiswill:"...whoaretakencaptivebyhimathiswill"(2Tim2:26).

(4) When man—while being subject to these judgments and due tocontinual sinning and a continual going against his conscience—ishardenedsothathebecomesinsensitivetosinandafearforpunishment.ThisjudgmentGodexecuteduponPharaoh:"AndIwillhardenPharaoh'sheart" (Exod7:3).Amanwho is in sucha conditionand inwhomGodpermitsallmannerofinclinationstoarise,willfallintoeverysinuntiltherighteouswrathofGoddestroyshim.

GodtriesHischildrenwithaholyobjectiveand inaholymanner.Thisoccurs:

(1)When theLord gives free reign to the tempters—be it thedevil, theworld,or the flesh—toassaultHischildren invariousways. Itwas thusthat God gave the devil free reign with Job (even though there werelimitations)(Job1-2),aswellaswithDavid(2Sam24:1).

(2)WhenGodwithholdsHisgraciousinfluenceandsustainingpower—ofwhich the church complained: "OLord,why hast Thoumade us to err

fromThyways,andhardenedourheartfromThyfear"(Isa63:17).WhenachildofGodisthusdeprivedofGod'shelp,andisthusassaultedbyhisenemies—and if both grace and spiritual life are but feeble—he is indangerindeed!

(3)WhenGodpermitscertainsituationstoariseinwhichheshouldhaveremainedstanding,andheisthennotonhisguard.Ifhisemotionsandlustsarestirredup,andhethendepartsfromthefearofGod,obedience,andtheloveofGod,hewillbetossedaboutasatop,andbeledaboutbyhis flesh, being swept along from the one sin to the next (even to sinstowardwhichhehadnonatural inclinationbeforehand).What a tragicsituationthisis!WhatwouldbetheendifGodwerenottodealwithhimagainandrestorehim?AchildofGodmustbefearfulofsuchaconditionandprayagainstit.

What is Implied When the Godly Pray: "Lead Us Not intoTemptation"

Whenwepray,"Leadusnotintotemptation,"wearenotprayingfortheavertingofalltemptationsortrialsresultingfromaspiritualorphysicalcross,orfromallcircumstancesinwhichwewouldbeabletofall.ThisisGod's way with all His children whereby He humbles them, exercisestheminthebattleagainst theenemies,andsanctifies them.Rather, thepetitionisas follows:"Neither let thetemptationgetaholdofnorhavepoweroverus;donotwithdrawThyHolySpiritfromus;donotgiveusovertoourselveswhenopportunitiesforsinmanifestthemselves.Whentheenemiesassaultusandseektotossustoandfroandsiftusaswheat,let us then not be overpowered by the temptation. Do not let us beensnared so that unrighteousness would gain the upper hand; neithergiveusovertoevilinclinationsnortothelustsofourcorruptheart.Forwhere would this not bring us? If, however, it pleases Thee to letsituationsariseandthatsnaresare laid foruseverywhere,and ifdevilsandworldly people in a subtle or evilway scheme to catch us, keepusfrom falling and lead us by Thy Spirit. Give us strength to remainstanding,sothatbyourfallourownsoulbenotmortallywounded,thegodlybeneithergrievednoroffended,andThyNameandtruegodlinessbe not blasphemed." Such was David's prayer: "O keep my soul, anddeliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in Thee. Let

integrityanduprightnesspreserveme;forIwaitonThee"(Ps25:20-21);"Oforsakemenotutterly"(Ps119:8);"LetnotthemthatwaitonThee,OLordGODofhosts,beashamedformysake:letnotthosethatseekTheebeconfoundedformysake,OGodofIsrael"(Ps69:6).

Thus,thepetitionnottobeledintotemptationisindicativeof:

(1) a knowledge and an acknowledgment of the sinfulness of our heartandourweaknesstoresisttemptations;

(2)ahatredandanaversionforsinandafearforfallingintosin;

(3)aloveforcommunionwithGod,whichisaffectedandobscuredbyafalling into sin; as well as a love for the honor of God's Name, thereputationofgodliness,andthejoyofthegodly;

(4) faith in God's care for His own, and in God's omnipotence to givethemstrengthtosubduetheenemiesintheirassaults;aswellasfaithinthegoodnessofGodasrenderingHimwillingtodothis,andHisveracitythatHewilldoit,havingpromisedtohearandanswerprayer.

TheSecondPartofthePetition:ButDeliverusfromEvil

Thefirstportionofthispetitionhavingbeendealtwith,thepreservationfrom evil, we shall now consider the second part, the deliverance fromevil.Thefirstpartrelatestothefuture,whereasthesecondpartrelatestothe present. These two portions of the petitions are conjoined by theadversative"but."Fromthis it isevident that the latterdiffers fromthefirst,butneverthelessisrelatedtothefirst.Themannerinwhichthereisadistinctionandrelationshipiscontingentupontheinterpretationoftheword"evil"—that is,howthis istobeunderstood."Evil"(ðïíçñponeros)signifies the devil: "... then cometh thewicked one ... the tares are thechildrenofthewickedone"(Matt13:19,38).Theworldisreferredtoasevil: "... this present evil world" (Gal 1:4), which is said to lie inwickedness, that is, to be entirely evil: "... and thewholeworld lieth inwickedness"(1John5:19).Theheartofmanissaidtobeevil:"Takeheed,brethren,lesttherebeinanyofyouanevilheartofunbelief"(Heb3:12).This evil heart is filled with wickedness: "An evil man out of the evil

treasure bringeth forth evil things" (Matt 12:35). In the heart of thenaturalmanthere isnothingbutwickedness:"Every imaginationof thethoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Gen 6:5). Also, sinisreferred toas thatwhich is evil: "Abhor thatwhich is evil" (Rom12:9).Since these four—the devil, the world, the heart of man, and sin—arecalledevil,thequestioniswhoorwhatistobeunderstoodby"evil"here.

TheWord"Evil"Defined

ThesupplicantisachildofGodwhoaddressesGodasFatherandgreatlydesires theglorificationofGod'sName, thewell-beingandextensionofGod's kingdom, and the doing of God's will. To that end he requeststemporal support forhimself andall the godly, so that, due topoverty,they would not be a reason for slander to the ungodly and theythemselveswouldnotbeovercomebycares.HepraystocontinuallybeinastateofpeaceandreconciliationinorderthattheymayruntheircoursewithjoyandlibertybeforeGodandman.Furthermorehepraysthattheywouldnotencounteranysnaresorstumblingblockswherebytheycouldbeensnaredoroverwhichtheywouldfall.Tothatendhepraysthattheymaybedeliveredfromallthatwouldhindertheminthewayofgodliness.It isall thiswhich isheredenominatedasevil.By theword"evil"mustprimarily andpreeminently be understood, not thedevil, for thenbothportionsofthispetitionwouldalmostbeidentical,butoursinfulnature,thesinswhicheasilybesetus,thelawofsinwhichisinourmembers,andsinwithallitsmanifestations.Thus,boththecontradistinctionwithandtherelationshiptothefirstportionofthispetitionisclear.Aslongassinhasmuchpowerinman,theleasttemptationcauseshimtofall;however,whentheimageofGodhasbeenmorerestored,Christhasbeenformedinthesoul,andthehearthasincreasedindesire,life,andholiness,manwillremainstandingintemptationthatmuchbetter.Furthermore,whatwoulditprofitmanifhewouldnotencounteranytemptationsatallandwouldinthemeantimecontinueinhissinfuldisposition?Thesupplicantabhorsthemonsterofsin,cannottolerateit,butrequeststobedeliveredfromit.Also,theGreekword(rusai)yieldsfurtheremphasis.TheGreekhave several words whereby they express deliverance, and the wordwhich they use here means "to extract," or "to deliver by way ofextraction."Sinmustbeextracted:"Andifthineeyeoffendthee,pluckit

out,andcastitfromthee"(Matt18:9);"...inputtingoffthebodyofthesinsof theflesh"(Col2:11). (Extracting is impliedhereeventhoughthevocabularydiffers.)Wethuspray:"Deliverusfromthesinfuldispositionofheartanditssinfulmanifestations."Thisisnotcontradictedbythefactthat there isanarticlehere: (touponerou)—as if thiswere to refer toapersonand thus to thedevil.For thisarticle isalsousedwith theword"sin":"Thewholeworldliethinwickedness"(1John5:19).Weconsiderthemostcorrectviewtobethatisneuterratherthanmasculine,andthatinthisinstancetheword"evil"includesbothsinandallthatisevil.Themeaning of this petition is therefore: Keep us in the future so that weshall not succumb to the power of temptation and be caused to fallthereby. Furthermore, deliver us from this present sinful disposition ofsoulandthesinswhichissueforththerefrom.

AnUnconvertedPersonIsnotAbletoPraythisPetition

Asanunconvertedpersoncannotprayanypetitionsincehehasnodesireforanyofthese,helikewisealsocannotpraythispetition.Thisisallthemore true since he can be most clearly convinced that not only is hewithoutdesireforthematterscomprehendedinthispetition,butthatitis all his desire and delight to live in sin. He does not want sin to beextracted fromhim. Instead, he draws unrighteousness to himselfwiththe cordsof vanity, and sinaswithheavywagon ropes.Hehasno fearthathewillfallintotemptation;heevenseeksitoutandeagerlyinvolveshimself in it, for sinning is his delight—as long as it does not result inharmorinjury.WhensuchapersonthereforesaystoGod."Leadusnot,"etc....,thenheliesinthepresenceofanomniscientGodandmocksHim.For ifhewould trulyexpresswhat is inhisheart,hewouldsay: "Grantme opportunities to engage inmany delightful and expedient sins, fortheyaremydelight."SuchapersonoughtnolongertopraythispetitiontoGod, lesthetemptHim.Instead,heoughteithertocontinuewithoutprayertohisdestruction,orelserepentandthenofferthepetition,"Leadusnotintotemptation!"

TheGodlyareNotAlwaysinaFrametoPrayThisPetition

Agodlypersonalsoisnotalwaysinaframetopraythispetition.Inorderto have liberty, he must always regain his composure and modify his

behaviorwhenheintendstopray.Thushemustspecificallyturnwithinbeforehepraysthispetition,andexaminehimselfastowhetherhisheartcleavestoagivensin—whetherthereisasinwhichpresentlyholdshimcaptive, he is not forsaking, and he is not valiantly resisting so that hemaydesist fromandstriveagainst it.Ifsomeoneis insuchacondition,hewillhavenolibertytoapproachtoGod,forhisheartcondemnshim.Itisthusessentialthatwearefullyopposedtosiningeneralaswellastosuch and such a specific sinwhich torments usmost—even thoughwehave no strength against it and we are able to deduce from ourdisposition as well as from experience, that we can fall into this againunlesswereceivefurtherstrengthfromabove.Forthenareweabletoaskforhelpandpray,"Leadusnotintotemptation."

ThisPetitionMustbePrayedinAllEarnestness

Thispetitionthereforeoughttobemostearnestlyprayedbyus,for:

(1)Ifwearenopartakersofthisdispositionandthesematters,wearenoteven capable of praying the other petitions—much less do them.However,uponhavingreceivedwhatwepetitionforhere,weshallbefitforeverything.Asthefirstpetitionistheobjectiveofallthings,soisthispetitionthedispositionfromwhichandwherebywemuststrivetoattainthatobjective—aswellasrendertheuseofthemeansprofitable.

(2) Furthermore, how dreadful is sin! It is a breach of the bindingobligationwhich theLordhas imposeduponman—anobligationwhichman himself readily acknowledges. To sin is to be disobedient to themajesticLordandtodespiseHisawe-inspiringcharacter,doingsoinHispresenceandwhileHeobservesit.Wecommitsinsfromwhichwewouldbekeptbythepresenceofaman—yes,evenachild.Indeed,itisanactofutter contempt toward God when we are neither concerned about HiswrathnorHisjudgments.Isanythingmoredreadfulimaginable?

(3) Sin deforms the soul, and makes her despicable, hateful, andabominable—morethanwecaneventhinkorexpress.

(4)Andwhat sorrows it engenders!GodwithdrawsHimself and leavesthe person over to himself. His precious soul is tossed about day and

nightduetolossoffreedom,instability,fear,anxiety,andrestlessness.

(5) The one sin begets the other, and those in turn beget others—andwherewouldsinningend?

(6)Sinningdoesnotmerelyconsist in thecommittingof transitoryevilthoughts,words,anddeeds,butitinjuresspirituallifeitself.Itbecomesmorefeebleandweaker,andapersonbecomeslessfittolivegodlyandtoturnfromsin.Youknowallthis,believers.Oughtyouthereforenottobefearfulandanxiousaboutsin,andknowingyourimpotence,oughtitnotto cause you to cry out to theLord, "Deliverme fromevil!Deliverme;washme;sanctifyme,ohsanctifyme,forImustbeholyasThouart"

TheBitternessofSuccumbingtothePowerofTemptation

Tosuccumbtothepoweroftemptationisthemostbitterthingthatcanbefall a godly person.When a godly person, who already has but littlestrength, succumbs to a sinful frame, yields to sin more than hecommonlydoes,andisthoughtless,careless,andshoddyinhisconduct,heisinaframewhichrendershimvulnerabletotemptations.WhenthetempteristhenpermittedbyGodtoassaultsuchapersonandemployhiswickedness,subtleties,devices,andpractices;whentheopportunitiesarethereforthispersontobewrathful,proud,unrighteous, impure,andtodenyhisconfessioneitherduetofear,lust,orwhateverelse;andifGoddepartsfromhim,desertshim,andleaveshimovertohimself,hislustswill become lively and vehement and toss him about as dust in awhirlwind.Thiscannotberesisted,forbothintellectandjudgmenthaveno say in this; his burning lusts are in control. Even if spiritual lifemanifestsitselfinsomemeasureandcounselsandgroansagainstthis—even then thingsneverthelessproceedas if hewerewithouthis senses.Therunninghorsescannotbeheldback.Whatallcanamannotbeledinto?Itcanleadhimintothingsforwhichhehadnodesirehisentirelife—yes,whichheabhorred.

Whenmanfallsduetotemptation,itisfrequentlynotlimitedtoonefall.Andevenifhewishestorefrainandregainprevioustenderness,thereisno strength. God hidesHimself, temptations are renewed, lusts stir byrenewal, and he is overcome once more—until the Lord visits him by

renewalanddrawshimoutofthis.However,theprevioustendernessofheart,theenjoymentofpeace,communionwithGod,andashiningforthwith holiness are still far removed. Sorrow, tears, anxiety, prayer,wrestling,a followinghardafter theLord,andarenewedstumblingarethe order of the day. Who would not be fearful of such a condition?Therefore,praycontinually,"Leadusnotintotemptation!"

TheMotivationforThisPetition

Theprayingof thispetition issues forth fromahatredandaversion forsin, from theexperienceofour inability to remain standing, andoutoflove for a pure and unspotted life. If thismotivates us to pray thus, itmust also render us active to remain in that condition. Temptations,when they come, will have no effect upon such when they come. SuchhaveaperfectheartwhichlongsfornothingelsebutcontinualunionandfellowshipwithGod.Theworld,andallthatappearstobeattractiveanddelightful in theworld,mustbebanished from theheart, and theLordalone must be all-sufficient to us—and must be the object of our joy,delight,love,andfear.Evenifwecannotcarrythisoutaccordingtoourwishes,wemustalwaysseektopreservethechoice,theintention,andtheexercises.Ifwedonotproceedinthisfromtheheart,inallourdoingnoprogress will be made; we shall be vulnerable to temptations and themostinsignificantoccasionwillcauseustofall.If,however,theheartisperfect toward the Lord, and we conduct ourselves in the presence ofGod, then we will be strengthened against temptations. "He that isbegottenofGodkeepethhimself,andthatwickedonetouchethhimnot"(1John5:18).

PrayerandWorkMustAlsobeCombined

Prayerandworkmustbecombined;aChristiandesirestoperformwhathepraysfor,andendeavorstodoasmuchasheisable.Whenheprays,"Leadusnotintotemptation,"thenhemustrefrainfromleadinghimselfintotemptation.Weleadourselves intotemptation,(1)whenwedonotflee those circumstances inwhichwe have frequently fallen, but ratherseekthemout,or,upontheiroccurrenceconsciouslyyieldtothem,therebeing neither need nor obligation to avail ourselves of them. Suchcircumstances can vary greatly and may either pertain to someone's

disposition, calling or other situations. To some the company of givenindividualsisharmful,toothersdiningengagements,tootherstheuseofordinarymeans,andforothersattimessolitude.Wemustfleefromthesethingsthatcanbeavoided,orelsewe leadourselves intotemptation.Ifwe cannot avoid those situations in which we have frequently fallen,beingunderobligationbydivinecommandment,wemustbeverymuchonourguardtokeepourheartsdiligentlybybridlingourtongue,yieldingin specific cases, standing firm for God's cause, and arming ourselveswith sincerity and caution.Whenwe conductourselves in thisway, thetemptationwillhavelesseffectuponus.

(2) when we use lawful and ordinary things too frequently andthoughtlessly.

(3)whenwecherishvainthoughtsandfindourdelightinthem—eveniftheypertaintonaturalmatters.

(4) when upon having sinned, we do not immediately arise, but eitherthrough carelessness, discouragement, unbelief and rejection of ourspiritual state—or else due to finding delight in sin—remain where weare,sothatsingainsinstrength.

(5)whenwereflectuponthoughtswhichsuddenlyenterourmind—beitconcerningasin inwhichwefinddelight,unbecomingthoughtsofGodanddivinethings,ordreadfulinterjections.Weshalltherebyloseagoodspiritual frame, and in an evil spiritual frame we are susceptible totemptation. Against all these a Christian must be watchful and strive,beingactiveinfaith:"Watchandpray,thatyeenternotintotemptation"(Matt26:41);"Besober,bevigilant;becauseyouradversarythedevil,asaroaring lion,walkethabout,seekingwhomhemaydevour:whomresiststedfastinthefaith"(1Pet5:8-9).

GuardingAgainstTemptation

Doyouwishtobeprotectedagainsttemptation?First,giveheedtoyourheart and the thoughts proceeding from it: "Keep thy heart with alldiligence"(Prov4:23).Secondly,placeawatchbeforeyoureyes:"Imadeacovenantwithmineeyes" (Job31:1),andpray:"Turnawaymineeyes

frombeholdingvanity"(Ps119:37).

Thirdly,closeyourearstovaintalkandbackbiting:"Benotdeceived:evilcommunicationscorruptgoodmanners"(1Cor15:33);"Alsotakenoheeduntoallwordsthatarespoken"(Eccles7:21).Fourthly,giveheedtoyourtongue;governitcarefullyandcircumspectly."Isaid,Iwilltakeheedtomy ways, that I sin not withmy tongue: I will keepmymouth with abridle"(Ps39:1).Alsopray:"Setawatch,OLord,beforemymouth;keepthedoorofmylips"(Ps141:3).Ifyoudonotgiveheedtoyourheartandyour external senses, you will continually succumb to temptation. If,however,youarethusonyourguardandifyouwalkcarefully,then,whilepraying and striving, you will walk surely, conquer the enemies, andinheritthecrownoflife.

TheConclusionoftheLord'sPrayer

The third division of this prayer is its conclusion. "For Thine is thekingdom,andthepower,andthegloryforever.Amen."Thepapistsandsomeothersomitthisandcontestit.However,thesacredtextitself,thepracticeofthefirstchurchandofgenerationsfollowing,aswellassimilarexpressionsinothertextsofthedivineScripturesoughttoconvincethemandconfirmusinourusageofthem.

(1)Wecanview this conclusionas thebasisuponwhich the supplicanthas received liberty and uponwhich he leans; forGod, his Father, hascommandoverallcreatures,isomnipotenttogivethesupplicantwhathedesires, and is glorious and majestic in His Being—it being thesupplicant'sobjectivetomagnifyHim.

(2)Wecanviewthisconclusionasamotivetowardprayer.Itiscommonwith prayers recorded in Scripture that motives are used whereby thesupplicantquickensandspiritualizeshisdesires.HeisthussupplicatingGodtogranthimthematterswhichhedesires—sinceHeisruleroverallandcandoeverythingbyHispower—andthatthereceiptofthedesiredmatterswould be to the glorification ofHisName,He beingworthy ofthis.Or:"Wehaveprayedthisforthechurch,thekingdomofgrace;thisisThineandthereinThoudostdesiretobeglorified.Thereforehearourprayer!"

(3)Itcanalsobeviewedasanenlargementofandanurgentplearelatedto the last petition that God would not lead us into temptation, butdeliver us from evil, for He has all authority and power over both thetemptersandtheonesbeingtempted.HeisthusabletosustainthelatterbyHisomnipotence, torestrain the tempters,andtogrant the temptedoneasteadfastandholyheart.However, this isnot tobe limitedto thelastpetitiononly,butisapplicabletothisprayerinitsentirety.Thineisthekingdom.ThisisindicativeofGod'smajesty, (exousia),authority, and dominion over everything, all of which is immediatelysubjecttoHim.ThisismostgloriouslyexpressedbykingDavid:"Thine,OLord, is thegreatness,and thepower,and theglory,and thevictory,and themajesty: for all that is in theheavenand in the earth isThine;Thine is thekingdom,OLord, andThouart exaltedasHeadaboveall.BothrichesandhonourcomeofThee,andThoureignestoverall;andinThinehand ispowerandmight" (1Chron29:11-12).Godhas sovereigndominionoverboththekingdomofpowerandofgrace,andofglory.

"... and the power ( dunamis)."God does not only have ajustclaimuponeverythingandauthorityovereverything,butintheLordthere isalsostrengthandpower to ruleoverall that isHis,protectHisown,grantthemtheirdesires,punishtheenemies,andexecutewhateverHe wills. "I am the Almighty God" (Gen 17:1). The godly acknowledgethis:"ButourGodis intheheavens:HehathdonewhatsoeverHehathpleased" (Ps 115:3); "Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingabundantlyaboveallthatweaskorthink"(Eph3:20).

"... and the glory." God is glory andmajesty in Himself—even if therewereneitherheaven,norearth,noranycreature.God'sgloryisrevealedinallHisworks,both innatureaswell as ingrace.Theangels and thesoulsofthejustmadeperfectpraiseandglorifyHimastheywitnessHisglory.However,inHisgoodnessGodhasalsowilledthatHebeglorifiedupon earth. The unconverted neither are acquainted with the glory ofGod, nor do they have any desire to witness, praise, or magnify it.However,GodhasformedHispeopleinorderthattheywouldshowforthHispraise;Hehasdrawnthemoutofthepowerofdarknessinorderthattheywould show forthHis praises. In all their activity theyhaveGod'sgloryinview;itistheirchiefdelight."EverydaywillIblessThee;andI

willpraiseThynameforeverandever.GreatistheLord,andgreatlytobe praised; and His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shallpraise Thy works to another, and shall declare Thymighty acts. I willspeakoftheglorioushonourofThymajesty,andofThywondrousworks"(Ps145:2-5).

The supplicant says: "Thine is the kingdom; Thou art worthy thateverythingwouldglorifyThee."Sincetruesupplicantshavethisinview,theypray,expectingthatGodwillheartheirprayer.

"... forever!"Thekingdom,thepower,andthegloryaretheLord'sfrometernity to eternity; by Him there is neither change nor shadow ofturning. He is always the same: always glorious, omnipotent, andmajestic.Thebelieversuponearth—fromAdamuntilChrist'scomingtojudgment, from generation to generation—declare: "Blessing, andhonour,andglory,andpower,beuntoHimthatsittethuponthethrone,anduntotheLambforeverandever"(Rev5:13).

The Meaning of the Word "Amen" "...Amen." This is a Hebrew wordwhichmeanstruth.Sometimesit isusedsingularly,andsometimesit isrepeated: Amen and Amen. At times it is used singularly and at timeswithanaddition:Amen,Hallelujah;Amen,OhLord;Amen,theLorddothus.(1) Sometimes it is an approbation and a subscribing towhathasbeensaid."Andallthepeopleshallanswerandsay,Amen"(Deut27:15);"Andallthepeopleanswered,Amen,Amen,withliftinguptheirhands"(Neh8:6).Thisapprobationindicatesthatwecomprehendthematter,aswellasthatwewishanddesireit."Else...howshallhethatoccupieththeroom of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing heunderstandethnotwhatthousayest"(1Cor14:16).

(2)Sometimesitisexpressiveofastrongdesireforamatter,andadesirethat it be thus and come about as such: "That Imay perform the oathwhichIhaveswornuntoyourfathers....ThenansweredI,andsaid,Sobeit,OLord" (Jer 11:5). (3)Sometimes it signifies veracity, certainty, andsteadfastness—upon which one can rely and trust in. "For all thepromisesofGodinHimareyea,andinHimAmen"(2Cor1:20).

The believing supplicant who has prayed everything with both his

understandingandhisheart,acknowledgestheveracityandcertaintyofGod's promises, thatHewill hear prayer—and particularly this prayer:"Whatthingssoeveryedesire,whenyepray,believethatyereceivethem,andyeshallhavethem"(Mark11:24);"AndthisistheconfidencethatwehaveinHim,that, ifweaskanythingaccordingtoHiswill,Hehearethus:andifweknowthatHehearus,whatsoeverweask,weknowthatwehave the petitions that we desired of Him" (1 John 5:14-15). Thesupplicant has prayed with his heart, knows that the matters he hasprayed for are according to God's will, believes the goodness,omnipotence, and veracity of God, expects the fulfillment of his desire(subjectinghimselftoitstime,manner,andmeasure),andlonginglyaddsto this: "Amen, so be it; it shall most certainly be true." "He whichtestifieththesethingssaith,SurelyIcomequickly.Amen.Evenso,come,LordJesus.Amen"(Rev22:20).