Praying the Lord's Prayer as Kingdom Participants: A Fresh Look at Matthew 6 (Sermon on the Mount Series)

Nov 30, 2020

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How the structure and theology of the Lord’s Prayer reveal the core of Jesus’s ministry, reshape the way we engage with God, and invite us to embody the kingdom of heaven here and now. Mike and Tim dive deep into Matthew 6 in this Sermon on the Mount series entry, revealing the prayer not as a script to memorize, but as a revolutionary way of aligning our lives with God's transformative mission in the world.

From reimagining what “Our Father in Heaven” means to understanding God’s will “on earth as it is in heaven,” this conversation offers a rich, practical guide to prayer that pushes beyond cliché into responsive, active discipleship.

Key Takeaways: • The Lord’s Prayer as an Outline for Life – Jesus provides more than a liturgical formula; it’s a framework for participation in the renewal of all things. • Heaven and Earth Reunited – Reframing heaven not as a distant place but as the realm of God’s will, overlapping and reuniting with earth through our daily obedience. • Praying as a Revolutionary Act – Declaring “Your kingdom come” is a personal pledge to live as an agent of that kingdom, practicing justice, mercy, and forgiveness. • Forgiveness as Formation – Yielding our right to retaliate is central to the way of Jesus, not just for personal healing but as a proclamation of God’s grace. • Daily Bread and Dependence – Receiving daily provision as a gift reshapes how we view everything from wealth and privilege to systemic injustice. • Resisting Evil – Prayer acknowledges the reality of opposition—be it internal, external, or spiritual—and anchors us in dependence on the Spirit to navigate it.

Guest Highlights: Seth Eerie makes a surprise, joyful appearance—from giving thanks to sharing pie and impromptu blessings, reminding us of the childlike heart that Jesus praised.

Resources Mentioned: • The Dark Tower Series by Stephen King – Tim’s quarantine collection project • Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 6:9-13 – Bible Gateway Link • NT Wright – Reflections on prayer’s mystery and power • The 18 Benedictions (Amidah) – Historical Jewish prayer tradition echoing themes in the Lord’s Prayer • The Bible Project’s Tim Mackie – Insight on God’s name and Star Wars as a metaphor for hallowing

Rediscover prayer not as obligation but as formation—shaping our vision, reshaping our lives, and aligning us with God’s redemptive work in the world. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone wrestling with how to pray and what it means to follow Jesus.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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