Does the last line of the Lord’s Prayer belong in the Bible? Scholars debate the authenticity of this verse:
“For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen” (Matthew 6:13b).
If you want to read up on the history of the controversy, Pastor Tim LeCroy wrote an excellent summary on his blog.
The verse does not contradict the teaching of Scripture; in fact, it has strong biblical warrant. See how it mimics this verse from the prayer of David which he uttered soon before the construction of the Temple began:
“Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.” – 1 Chronicles 29:11
Should Christians repeat the final line when they recite the Lord’s Prayer? Like Pastor LeCroy, I can accept the decision to cite it or drop it, but “My preference is to say it because it is the more catholic (universal) thing to do, in other words, more Christians over the scope of Christian history, and even today, have said it, so I’ll go with saying it.”
Our prayers, like those of David’s dedication and Christ’s instruction, receive strength when they’re grounded in God’s authority. But there’s an extra blessing embedded within this verse which are worth digging into.
The close of Jesus’ model prayer captures the sentiment expressed by King David: God’s ownership. The Father possesses and has rights over the kingdom, the power, and the glory. These belong to Him. Down through the ages, people have tried to nudge God off His throne, but they will never succeed. No one can rule the world. Authority and honor are His!
In our times of prayer, the truth of God’s grandeur elevates our souls and keeps our hearts focused on Him. When we’re in trouble, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and forget who God is, but Jesus reminds us to steer back. Our Father exercises rulership, has the ability to bend things to His will, and deserves adulation. Grounding these principles in our hearts will do us a lot of good.
But God has more for us!
Through the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Father allows us to partake of His kingdom, power, and glory. He shares with us what were His exclusive possessions.
Does it sound too good to be true? It’s not, this is what Jesus provides us!
Kingdom
The phrase “kingdom of God” communicates that the kingdom belongs to the Lord; it’s His. But Christ extends to us the Father’s invitation to join in.
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” – Luke 12:32
The kingdom of God–the domain where God’s will takes place and good vanquishes evil–is what we’re all dreaming of. Through Jesus, that wistful hope becomes a reality.
Power
How weak we are when we encounter trials and challenges! Our strength seems to let us down before we’re reach the finish line. We thank the Lord that His power is always there for us. But beyond that, He promises to give us power by His very own Spirit.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8
The secret of discipleship is the Holy Spirit. The energy that motivates and inspires our sharing of of the good news derives from His presence and power. Through grace, we have a share in God’s ability to communicate the gospel all over the world. Jesus doesn’t only promise the Spirit; He also delivers!
Glory
Okay, we can accept the idea that God would allow us enter His kingdom and to labor with His power. But glory? We know better! Glory belongs only to God. We can’t have that too, can we? Jesus thought we could.
“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one– 23I in them and you in me–so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” – John 17:22-23
Our testimony of Jesus is effective because we’re joined together in Christ. And we have unity only because Jesus has bestowed on us the glory that God gave Him. That’s generosity!
Kingdom, power, and glory–these three describe the honor of royalty. The Bible declares that God is a King.
“For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise.” – Psalm 47:7
The Word announces King Jesus, too.
“They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings–and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” – Revelation 17:14
And by God’s grace, we who follow Jesus take part in His royal rule.
“For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!” – Romans 5:17
Accept the invitation of Jesus to anchor your prayer life in the kingdom, power, and glory of God. When you do, you will not only endure the trials you face, you will also prove the authority of the Lord working through you.
And you will partake of unimaginable blessings.
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