Amen

The last line of Jesus’ model prayer is found in some translations and left out of others.  I’m not writing about Textual Criticism, but the most reliable manuscripts do not have the words, “For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”  But as early as the Second Century Christians were using this ending in the prayer.

I don’t think Matthew wrote these words, but I do think we should study them and I do think we should pray them.  Why?  First, most of us grew up memorizing them, but second, these words do not violate any other passage of Scripture.  Finally, not only do they not violate any other passage, but they are also taught in other passages.  Go back and read 1 Chronicles 29:11 or even 1 Timothy 1:17. Both passages are very similar.

In the final line we find a word about ownership, “for yours…”. It is all His!  He is God and we are not…that’s a good reminder for all of us.

There is a word about Sovereign Rule, “Yours is the kingdom.”  

There is a word about ability, “Yours is the power.”  He is God, He is in Heaven, and He is omnipotent.

There is a word about glory, “Yours is the glory.”  Each of these lines simply acknowledge that He owns it all, it is His kingdom, He has power.  He is all-glorious.

There is a word about eternity, “forever.”

And there is a word about agreement, “Amen.” That simply means, “So be it.”  The prayer opens with “Our Father” and ends with this doxology.  How can we say anything else except, “Amen!”

So, let me close—have you acknowledged that He owns it all?  Have you bowed the knee before Him and are you still bowing the knee?  Do you know that He is able to do all things and are you seeking Him for great things?  Do you know that He is all-glorious and are you seeking to give Him glory?  Do you know that He is eternal and are you ready to spend an eternity with Him?