By Andy Yarnell
Do you attend a church or belong to a sports team or organization that says the Lord’s Prayer when they meet?
I don’t know about you, but there’s a part that always sticks with me “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.”
Years ago, I heard one of my favorite speakers, Tony Campolo, talk about this. He reminded his listeners that when we pray those words, we’re not just asking God to fix everything and make the world better. We’re actually inviting God to use us to help bring about God’s kingdom.
It’s a bold prayer. We’re asking God to show us where we can be part of making heaven a reality here and now.
So, what does the kingdom of God look like to you? What comes to mind? In what ways might God be calling you to make Gadsden a little more like that vision? Maybe it’s helping those facing food insecurity, loneliness, or addiction. Maybe you feel led to support the local animal shelter.
The Spirit moves each of us differently, and that gentle nudge may look unique in your life.
Next time you pray the Lord’s Prayer, remember — God isn’t distant from that prayer. The Creator wants to use you to help create a more peaceful and hope-filled world.
Pastor Andy Yarnell is affiliated with United Methodist Campus Ministries and Mosaic Gadsden.
