Closing Worship: Exploring the Doxology of the Lord's Prayer
In our journey through the Lord's Prayer, we have explored the depths of its meaning and significance. Each line of this prayer explodes with insight into our relationship with God and guidance for our lives.
We Have Reached the End of the Lord’s Prayer
The Lord's Prayer is not a formula that we recite. It is the words of Jesus outlining a life of prayer for His followers. It begins by defining our relationship with God as Father/child, which orients our entire prayer life and worldview. As we move through the prayer, we pray for provision, forgiveness, and spiritual protection. Now we reach the end of the prayer. How does one conclude such a profound and timeless prayer? Doxology.
The Doxology: A Closing Moment of Worship
The doxology — "For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen," — is not found in the earliest Bible manuscripts. However, it is found in very early church teaching and worship documents. The translators of the King James Version believed it worthy to include in the Bible text in Matthew. Concluding doxologies are not uncommon. The doxology we use could be a shortened version of a doxology of King David that is recorded in 1 Chronicles 29:10–13.
Palm Sunday and Holy Week: A Contextual Lens
As we approach Palm Sunday and embark on Holy Week, the themes of kingdom, power, and glory take center stage. Jesus's humble entry into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey, contrasts worldly notions of kingship with the divine kingdom he inaugurates. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the heavenly kingdom, power, and glory embodied in Christ.
Earthly Kingdom vs. Heavenly Kingdom
The earthly realm often prioritizes power, order, and material resources. However, Jesus's declaration in John 18:36 underscores the transcendent nature of his kingdom: "My kingdom is not of this world." Unlike earthly kingdoms built on temporal foundations, the heavenly kingdom is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Life is completely different as a citizen in the kingdom of Jesus. Jesus has called us into His kingdom not by His power, but by His love and sacrifice.
Earthly Power vs. Heavenly Power
Earthly power is fleeting, tied to material resources and human authority. In contrast, heavenly power, epitomized by Easter and resurrection, transcends the limitations of earthly existence. It is the power to transform death into eternal life, offering hope, healing, and redemption to all who believe. This resurrection power reshapes our perspectives and reaches out of eternity into space and time to infuse our lives with faith, hope, and love.
Earthly Glory vs. Heavenly Glory
Earthly glory often revolves around personal acclaim, achievements, and material possessions. How many likes or views do you have? How many people have read your book? What’s your approval rating? How much money do you have? What kind of car do you drive? However, heavenly glory manifests in acts of love and service, exemplified by Jesus washing the disciples' feet. This selfless love, culminating in the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, reveals the true glory of God—a glory rooted in love, sacrificial giving, redemption, and reconciliation.
The Doxology: A Proclamation of Surrender and Trust
The doxology of the Lord's Prayer encapsulates a spirit of submission and trust. By acknowledging God's kingdom, power, and glory, we relinquish our desire for control and recognition, placing our lives entirely in God's hands. This act of surrender is not a sign of weakness but of profound faith and dependence on the One who holds all things together.
Why End with "Amen"?
“Amen” is a Hebrew word that has been transliterated into English. An ancient Hebrew would understand you if you walked up to him and said, “Amen.” The word, “Amen,” means “truly.” It is a word of agreement, affirmation, and trust.
“Amen” can be a review word. At the end of your prayer time, you stop and consider all that you prayed about. Then, having briefly considered your prayer, you nod your head and say, “Amen.” “Yes, I have prayed this and I think it is a good thing to have prayed.”
“Amen” is also a word of agreement in public or group prayer. When someone leads a prayer for a group, the group says the word, “Amen,” to indicate that they have been praying along and agree with the prayer.