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In Jesus, we see an absolute submission to the Father. Jesus exemplifies, for us, honoring God’s name, ushering His Kingdom, and prioritizing His will as He teaches us to pray. To live and love like Jesus, one must be aligned with Jesus in purpose and priority.

In his great little book, “The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness,” Tim Keller unpacks the nuance of humility in one simple sentence, “…the essence of gospel-humility is not thinking more of myself or thinking less of myself, it is thinking of myself less.” In a world of people driven from the path of true security by hunting for a means to resolve their insecurity, the opening line of the Lord’s Prayer is a metronome for us. A calming, steadying sound to which we can quickly and regularly realign ourselves.

The heart bent to anything other than the Lord will ultimately bend in on itself through self-exalting, self-loathing, self-sufficiency, or self-protection. Notice all these words start with “self.” Only in setting our hearts, minds, and strength to loving God and aligning with His purpose and intentions can we be truly secure and set free from the trappings of a self-oriented life.

To be consumed in heart, mind, and strength with His will, His Kingdom, and His name’s honor does not degrade us. It magnifies Him. The more our view of Him expands, the more we get lost in His vastness, love, glory, and plans. And the more this happens, the more we blossom into the glorious and eternally impactful person God created us to be. As we think more about Him and less about ourselves, we experience the fulfillment of Jesus’ words, “…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10b). So, in a way, getting lost in God is the only way to be truly found (Matt 10:39).

Reflection: Close your eyes and spend a moment or two reciting the opening lines of the Lord’s Prayer. As you repeat it, think about your day ahead, the people you might interact with, or the situations you may navigate. Each time some new component of your day comes to mind, recite the opening lines, praying for His name’s honor, His Kingdom to come, and His will to be done in each relationship, interaction, or situation. Then, ask yourself these two questions:

1) What does He show you about those relationships or situations?

2) What does He reveal to you about Himself?

Carry these thoughts and feelings with you throughout your day and recall them, and Him, as you encounter the moments you prayed about.

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