Where is the Lord's Prayer?

I'm often  asked why we don't say the Lord's Prayer at Cedarbrook. My answer is that we don't have anything  against saying it. I just don't like to  do or say things in a ritualistic way that robs true meaning from the experience.   

I prefer to preach the Lord's Prayer...especially the line...Your kingdom come,  Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  I do that often. I did it again yesterday. Download Growth: What are we shooting for? Our mission as followers of Jesus is to  bring heaven  to earth every day in tangible ways...most often in  our relationships...how we treat people. This is the greatest testament to a living God.

Seeking the kingdom by living the kingdom was the main thing Jesus wanted to see from his disciples. In his Sermon on the Mount Jesus said...

...do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6

If you read the verses before and after this passage the context helps us to understand what "seeking the kingdom" means. It means helping others out financially. That's why he tells us not to worry about food or drink or clothes. He's saying...if  you worry about helping others I'll worry about helping you. That's what my kingdom is all about.

What a challenge. What a redefinition of how we  should live our daily lives. Most of us seek first our kingdom...our security, and beyond that, our luxury. But Jesus framed our life experience in a totally opposite way.

I think this is bigger than any one of us. We need each other  to lead such a radical life. I invite you to join Cedarbrookers in this calling.