ODJ: The Prayer Jesus Gave

November 2, 2017 

READ: Matthew 6:9-13 

May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven (v.10).

The movie Deepwater Horizon depicts the true events of a tragic oil rig explosion that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico. The sudden underwater eruption killed eleven crewmembers and created a massive oil spill.

The close of the film shows many of the 115 survivors standing in the darkness of night on the deck of a rescue ship. With the Deepwater Horizon in the background engulfed in flames, the survivors drop to their knees and recite a familiar prayer: “Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:9-13).

The tragedy that befell the Deepwater Horizon was caused by many of the same challenges we face in our broken world. Carelessness, deceit and greed led to decisions that endangered the crew. Yet in the midst of such human-wrought destruction, the survivors on the ship are portrayed as finding comfort through clinging to the prayer Jesus gave His followers—pointing them to the good news of the long-awaited arrival of God’s kingdom (Mark 1:15).

Are you going through a time where it feels as if your world is going up in flames? Consider what the Lord’s Prayer reveals. The words of the prayer are not intended as a ritual or formula, but are an example of intimate connection with God. They speak of our ongoing need for refuge, forgiveness and daily provision. They also remind us of our heavenly Father’s promise to restore His creation. We can trust Him with our hurts and fears.

—Jeff Olson

365-day-plan: Acts 16:16-40