wilderflower

This first question has always puzzled me and I have no answer. I'll be interested to see the opinions of others. As for the second question, my answer is a definite "No."

When we pray "Thy kingdom come," aren't we praying that all creation will respond to God and obey Him? God's will WILL ultimately be done. When we pray for His will to be done "on earth as it is in heaven," I believe we are praying that our wills will coincide with the Father's will. This prayer changes us to be more like Jesus -- in obedience, in service to others, and in love to God and our fellow man. I believe that this prayer, prayed wholeheartedly, will change hearts, minds, and lives.

Hello, I'm Marie and I'm looking forward to this Bible study. I've participated in Dr. Wilson's online Bible studies before and appreciate the in-depth lessons and opportunity to interact with other believers. May you each have a "wonder-filled" day in the Lord!

Everything we say and do either honors or dishonors our heavenly Father. We honor Him by our obedience, worship, and love. We dishonor His name when we curse or take His name in vain. A habit of saying such things as "Oh Lord" or "Oh my God" as exclamations take His name in vain and are not honoring to Him. To "hallow" God's name when we begin to pray, I think it's important to realize that our loving Father is mighty and holy. Reviewing the names of God that He has revealed in Scripture help us to know His character, such as: The Lord Who Heals, The God Who Sees, The Creator, God Most High, The Lord Our Righteousness, etc.