Permitted in Heaven

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In the Lord’s prayer, people pray for God’s will to be done on Earth as in Heaven. Counter-intuitively, Jesus’ followers on Earth are allowed to set parameters of what is permitted in Heaven, consistent with God’s will.

Matthew 16:18-20 (ESV):

17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

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Crumbs Like Earth

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Jesus shows the abundance of God’s power by sparing crumbs for the Gentiles. Only later when scientists observed the vastness of the Universe did people learn Earth is but a crumb in comparison to it’s size. Therefore, pray confidently, knowing even huge requests are but crumbs from Heaven.

Matthew 15:25-28 (ESV):

25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26 And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 27 She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

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Answering to the Highest Authority

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Answering to the highest authority, we must love all people, even enemies, and pray for those who actively oppose us. For love to flourish in your inward being so completely, who must you follow?

Matthew 5:43-45 (ESV):

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

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Pointed Ponder: Global Prayers?

How many local, regional, national, global leaders, people groups, and political parties do you pray for worldwide?

1 Timothy 2:1-4

2:1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

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